Olushola Omogbehin
World Cup co-hosts Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 in their A clash at Estadio Guadalajara to became the first team to secure a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mexico’s victory which moved them to six points and guaranteeing qualification for the round of 32 was sealed by Luis Romo’s goal just after half-time, leaving Mexico with a match to go in Group A.
After first half without a goal, Romo broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart, capitalising on a costly goalkeeping error to put Javier Aguirre’s side ahead.
Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel played a crucial role in preserving the lead and stopped South Korea from creating a clear-cut opportunities for much of the contest.
Despite their pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, South Korea still could not find a breakthrough.
Raúl Jiménez also came close to doubling Mexico’s advantage in the second half, forcing an excellent save from goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu after connecting with a well-worked move.
The sustained pressure of South Korea at stoppage time as defender Han-Beom Lee headed wide from a corner but without success added to a frustrating evening for the Asian side, who remain without a point after two matches.
The celebrations was high among home supporters as Mexico becoming the first nation to officially book a place in the knockout rounds of the expanded 48-team tournament.
Mexico is now comfortably positioned at the top of Group A and will look to maintain their perfect record in their final group-stage fixture, while.
With the earlier 1-1 draw between South Africa and the Czechs, Mexico will face the Czech Republic in their dead-rubber final group game while South Korea play South Africa.
