Mexico beats South Korea 1-0, becoming the first team to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup | World Cup 2026 news

Luis Romo’s goal in the 50th minute sent Mexico to the round of 32, which will also be played at home.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds after defeating South Korea 1-0 in a thrilling match. Guadalajara Stadium Thursday.

Luis Romo’s goal after halftime put Mexico at the top of Group A with a game to spare, after a goalkeeping error.

Meanwhile, Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel made two stunning saves in the final minutes to preserve their lead.

Finishing first keeps Mexico at home in the round of 32 with a match against the third-placed team in Mexico City. South Korea ranks second with three points, while the Czech Republic and South Africa still have one point.

“It was a very close match; we did not give up a single centimeter and we fought for every ball as if it were our last,” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre told Mexican channel TV Azteca.

“It was a game where everyone who made a mistake lost, and it was them… It was a game to forget, but the result is a game to remember.

“We will see how the last match ends and wait for our opponent [in the round of 32]. He added: “I will leave happy, because this means that we will not leave our beloved homeland, Mexico.”

Mexico and South Korea entered the match in front of an enthusiastic Mexican crowd, knowing that a victory would ensure progress at the right time.

Aguirre made three changes to his side It beat South Africa 2-0 A week before the opening of the tournament.

His counterpart Myeong Bo Hong made just one change, largely maintaining faith in a team that fought back Victory over the Czechs 2-1.

South Korean national team captain Son Heung-min was able to shoot for the first time on goal after 15 minutes, as he passed the ball over Rangel, but Edson Alvarez prevented it from entering with a scissor kick on the goal line.

Los Angeles FC striker Son was flagged late on for offside, although TV replays suggested the score was close.

Julian Quiñoneswho scored the opening goal of the tournament, then forced South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seungyu into a fine save from a header, raising the decibel level.

The rest of the half was quiet for South Korea as they shot the ball at will, without creating any clear chances, but they succeeded in silencing the home team’s fans.

Booing broke out at half-time from the Mexican fans.

The hosts started the second half with much more intent, and after five minutes, they took the lead when goalkeeper Kim came up with a high ball, hit his own player, and passed it straight to Romo.

Romo just had to put the ball the first time into the unguarded net, sparking pandemonium.

Hong surprisingly recalled veteran talisman Son before the hour mark and brought on Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Hwang Haechan.

But the Koreans were toothless on offense until the final few minutes, when Guadalajara native Rangel came to Mexico’s rescue.

Mexico will face the Czech Republic in its final group match, while South Korea will play against South Africa. South Africa and Czechia Draw 1-1 Earlier today.