Mexico Advances to FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 with Victory Over South Korea
Mexico Secures Spot in Knockout Stage
Photo: @vellasrv/X
Zapopan, June 19: In a thrilling match at Guadalajara Stadium, co-hosts Mexico became the first team to qualify for the round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating South Korea 1-0 on Friday (IST).
The decisive goal came from Luis Romo shortly after the second half began, capitalizing on a mistake by goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu. Mexico's goalkeeper, Raul Rangel, made a crucial double save in the final moments to maintain their lead.
With this victory, Mexico topped Group A and will face a third-placed team from Groups C, E, F, H, or I in the knockout stage in Mexico City on June 30. South Korea currently sits second in the group with three points, while Czechia and South Africa remain in contention with one point each.
In their final group match, Mexico will take on Czechia, while South Korea is set to face South Africa on June 25.
Both teams entered the match in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, fully aware that a win would secure their advancement.
Jesus Gallardo showcased Mexico's determination early in the second half with a low shot that hit the side-netting just four minutes after the restart. The co-hosts celebrated a minute later when Romo capitalized on a mix-up between Kim Seung-gyu and Lee Gihyuk, tapping the ball into an empty net.
South Korea's captain, Son Heung-min, had the first significant opportunity of the match after 15 minutes, lifting the ball over the goalkeeper, but Edson Álvarez cleared it off the line with a bicycle kick. Although Son was flagged for offside, replays indicated it was a close call.
Julian Quinones then tested the South Korean goalkeeper with a header, energizing the home crowd once more. The remainder of the first half was dominated by South Korea, who controlled possession but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities, managing to quiet the home fans.
The second half saw Mexico come out with renewed vigor, taking the lead just five minutes in. Goalkeeper Kim misjudged a high ball and collided with his own defender, allowing Romo to easily score in the 50th minute.
Kim redeemed himself in the 75th minute with a remarkable save, blocking a close-range shot from Raul Jimenez. In the final three minutes, Raul Rangel made an outstanding double save against Cho Gue-sung and Yang Hyun-jun, ensuring Mexico's victory.