World Cup: Mexico become first team to reach knockout stage

Co-hosts Mexico became the first country to secure a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara.

Midfielder Luis Romo scored the decisive goal in the 50th minute, tapping into an empty net after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled the ball following a collision with teammate Lee Gi-hyuk.

South Korea came close to equalising late in the game when Cho Gue-sung’s close-range header was brilliantly saved by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel, who also denied Yang Hyun-jun from the rebound.

Earlier, captain Son Heung-min thought he had given the Asian side the lead after chipping Rangel, but Edson Alvarez cleared the effort off the line before the former Tottenham forward was ruled offside.

Backed by a passionate home crowd that had booed the team at half-time after a lacklustre opening period, Mexico nearly doubled their advantage in the 75th minute. However, Raul Jimenez’s effort from a tight angle was saved by Kim.

Substitute Obed Vargas also tested the South Korean goalkeeper late on with a powerful strike that forced another fine save.

The victory maintained Mexico’s perfect start to the tournament and confirmed Javier Aguirre’s men as winners of Group A.

As group winners, the co-hosts will play both their Round of 32 and a potential Round of 16 match in Mexico City. They could face England in the latter stage if Thomas Tuchel’s side top their group and win their opening knockout fixture.

Despite the defeat, South Korea remain well-placed to advance to the next round following their opening victory over the Czech Republic.

The Koreans will face South Africa in Monterrey on Thursday, while Mexico take on the Czech Republic in their final Group A match in Mexico City.