World Cup: Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 to become first team to qualify for last 32

Mexico became the first team to book their place in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating South Korea 1-0 in a tense Group A match in Guadalajara on Friday. The co-hosts made it two wins from two games and secured qualification for the knockout stages with a game to spare.

Mexico vs. South Korea, FIFA World Cup: Highlights

Mexico, backed by a partisan crowd at Akron Stadium, rode on Luis Romo’s second-half strike to maintain their perfect start to the tournament. The midfielder took advantage of a costly mistake by South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, whose catch in the penalty area provided the breakthrough at the start of the second half.

The result gave Mexico six points from two games, enough to guarantee progress from Group A regardless of the outcome of their remaining matches. Javier Aguirre’s side opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa and followed it up with another disciplined performance to become the first nation to book a place in the World Cup’s extended knockout stage.

South Korea came to Guadalajara on the back of a win over the Czech Republic, knowing that a win would also put them on the brink of qualification. However, the Asian side struggled to find rhythm in the hostile atmosphere and were eventually punished for a momentary hesitation at the back.

The first half offered little difference between the two sides. Mexico had more control of possession and looked the more adventurous team going forward, while South Korea remained compact and dangerous on the counter-attack. Neither goalkeeper was seriously tested before the break as both teams canceled each other out in midfield.

The decisive moment came five minutes after the restart. A high ball into the South Korean box caused confusion between Kim Seung-gyu and his defenders, the goalkeeper unable to collect himself after colliding with a teammate. The loose ball fell to Roma, who reacted quickest to direct his effort into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.

Mexico almost doubled their lead as they continued to press, but South Korea gradually grew into the match and launched a late attack in search of an equaliser. The visitors came agonizingly close in the closing stages, only to be denied by a remarkable goalkeeping display from Raul Rangel.

The Mexico goalkeeper pulled off a stunning double save to keep out efforts from Cho Gue-sung and Yang Hyun-jun in quick succession to maintain his side’s lead and ensure the hosts took all three points. The stop proved to be just as important as Romo’s winner as Mexico held firm under heavy late pressure.

The win confirmed Mexico as Group A winners with one game remaining and underlined their status as one of the tournament’s early success stories. They will conclude their group stage campaign against the Czech Republic on June 25, while South Korea face South Africa in a must-win clash as they look to join Mexico in the round of 32.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

19 Jun 2026 08:43 IST