Sports
Mexico Become First Team to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage
Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging South Korea 1-0 in front of a passionate home crowd at Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.
A match that struggled to ignite in the first half was decided shortly after the break when Luis Romo capitalised on a costly error from South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu to score the game's only goal.
The victory guarantees Mexico top spot in Group A with one match remaining, ensuring they will stay in Mexico City for their Round of 32 encounter against a third-placed qualifier.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre praised both goalkeeper Raul Rangel and the home supporters after the match.
> “His save was just amazing,” Aguirre said. “It was quite a tactical match, and hard to digest for the fans, but they were outstanding.”
Romo Punishes Goalkeeping Error
South Korea started brightly and nearly took the lead when captain Son Heung-min lifted the ball over Rangel, only for Edson Alvarez to clear spectacularly off the line with a bicycle kick. Although the assistant referee later flagged Son offside, replays suggested a very tight decision.
Mexico's best first-half opportunity fell to Julian Quinones, whose header was well saved by Kim.
The breakthrough arrived five minutes into the second half. Kim rushed out to claim a high ball but collided with a teammate and spilled possession directly to Luis Romo, who calmly tapped into an empty net to send the stadium into celebration.
Rangel Preserves Mexico's Perfect Start
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo responded by introducing Hwang Hee-chan, but his side struggled to create meaningful chances for much of the second half.
The Koreans finally mounted pressure in the closing stages, only for Rangel to produce a superb double save that preserved Mexico's lead and secured qualification.
Group A Situation
Mexico now sit on six points from two matches and cannot be caught at the top of Group A.
South Korea remain second on three points, while the Czech Republic and South Africa each have one point after their earlier 1-1 draw.
The final round of fixtures will see South Korea face South Africa, while Mexico take on the Czech Republic as the battle for the remaining qualification places continues.
