Thu, September 17, 2026
Mexico City (Web Desk): Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to book a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea in front of a jubilant crowd at Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.
The decisive moment arrived shortly after the interval when Luis Romo found the net, taking advantage of a costly mistake by the South Korean goalkeeper. The result ensured Mexico's progression to the next round and guaranteed them first place in Group A with one group match still remaining.
South Korea pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages and came agonisingly close in the 87th minute. Cho Gue-sung's powerful header from close range was brilliantly stopped by Mexican goalkeeper Raul Rangel, who then produced an outstanding reflex save moments later by stretching out his right arm to keep the rebound from crossing the goal line.
The win moved Mexico to six points from two Group A matches. South Korea remain on three points, while the Czech Republic and South Africa have collected one point each after their earlier 1-1 draw in Atlanta.
Mexico have enjoyed an impressive start to the tournament, scoring three goals in two games while keeping consecutive clean sheets.
Under the World Cup's expanded 48-team format, the top two teams from each group automatically advance to the knockout rounds, while the eight best third-placed teams also qualify. This edition marks the first time a Round of 32 has been included in the competition.
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre made three alterations to the lineup that defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the tournament. Meanwhile, South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo opted for only one change, maintaining confidence in the majority of the team that came from behind to earn a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their previous outing.
Earlier, Switzerland beat Bosnia and Herzegovina by 4-1 in Los Angeles and Canada beat Qatar by 6-0 in Vancouver, Canada.
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