FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico becomes first country to reach knockout stage, beating South Korea 1-0

GUADALAJARA, Mexico: Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 to win Group A at the World Cup on Thursday, with Luis Romo’s second-half goal securing the home team’s place in the knockout round.

Mexico broke through five minutes into the second half after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made a costly mistake when he failed to collect the cross after colliding with his teammate, allowing Romo to volley into the unguarded net.

Kim then made amends with a save to save Raul Jimenez, while Raul Rangel brilliantly stopped Yang Hyun-jun’s late attempt to preserve Mexico’s winning score in Mexico’s goal.
As a result, Mexico has six points to qualify as Group A winners. They will face the Czech Republic at the Estadio Azteca on Wednesday, while South Korea will face South Africa in Monterrey on three points.