FIFA WC 2026: Co-hosts Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 to become first team in Round of 32

Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after edging South Korea 1-0 at the Guadalajara Stadium on Friday (IST), with Luis Romo’s second-half strike sealing top spot in Group A.

Romo capitalised on a costly defensive mix-up shortly after the restart to score the only goal of the contest, while goalkeeper Raul Rangel produced a stunning late double save to preserve Mexico’s lead and ensure Javier Aguirre’s men advanced with a game to spare.

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The victory takes Mexico to six points from two matches and guarantees them a place in the Round of 32 as Group A winners. South Korea remain second on three points, while Czechia and South Africa, both on one point, stay in contention heading into the final round of group fixtures.

With qualification secured, Mexico will face a third-placed side from either Group C, E, F, H or I in the Round of 32 in Mexico City on June 30. Before that, they conclude their group-stage campaign against Czechia, while South Korea take on South Africa in a must-win encounter on June 25.

Knowing that victory would secure progression, both sides approached the contest positively in front of a passionate Mexican crowd. South Korea created the first meaningful opening when captain Son Heung-min chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper, only for Edson Alvarez to produce an acrobatic goal-line clearance. Although the offside flag was eventually raised, the effort served as an early warning for the hosts.

Mexico gradually grew into the match, with Julian Quinones forcing Kim Seung-gyu into a sharp save from a header, but neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval.

The decisive moment arrived five minutes into the second half. Kim rushed out to claim a high ball but collided with defender Lee Gihyuk, spilling possession into the path of Romo, who calmly rolled the ball into the unguarded net to spark celebrations around the stadium.

The South Korean goalkeeper partially redeemed himself in the 75th minute, producing an excellent close-range stop to deny Raul Jimenez and keep his side within touching distance.

South Korea pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Rangel ensured Mexico held firm. The goalkeeper delivered a remarkable double save from Cho Gue-sung and Yang Hyun-jun in the dying minutes, preserving a crucial victory and sending the co-hosts into the knockout rounds as the tournament’s first qualified team.