Mexico became the first team to secure qualification for the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara, Softfootball reports.
The co-hosts claimed victory through Luis Romo’s second-half goal after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu failed to hold onto the ball following a collision with teammate Lee Gi-hyuk. Romo reacted quickest to tap into an empty net in the 50th minute.
South Korea struggled to create clear chances but came close late in the match when Cho Gue-sung’s close-range header was brilliantly saved by Raul Rangel, who also denied Yang Hyun-jun from the rebound.
Captain Son Heung-min had earlier gone close for South Korea, chipping Rangel before Edson Álvarez cleared the effort off the line, although the forward was later ruled offside.
Mexico improved after a disappointing first half, where the home supporters voiced their frustration, and nearly doubled their lead when Raul Jiménez’s effort from a tight angle was saved. Substitute Obed Vargas also forced Kim into a strong diving stop with a powerful strike.
The victory maintains Mexico’s perfect start to the tournament and confirms Javier Aguirre’s side as Group A winners. They will remain in Mexico City for their knockout matches and could face England if Thomas Tuchel’s team top their group and win their first knockout fixture.
Despite the defeat, South Korea remain in contention for progression after their opening victory over Czech Republic. They will next face South Africa as they look to secure their place in the next round.
Player Ratings
Mexico
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Orbelín Pineda | 7.50 |
| Obed Vargas | 7.20 |
| Raúl Jiménez | 7.17 |
| Israel Reyes | 7.14 |
| Edson Álvarez | 6.79 |
| Johan Vásquez | 6.69 |
| Jesús Gallardo | 6.46 |
| Raúl Rangel | 6.44 |
| Santiago Giménez | 6.25 |
| Luis Romo | 6.13 |
| César Huerta | 6.13 |
| Jorge Sánchez | 5.77 |
| Roberto Alvarado | 5.57 |
| Érick Lira | 5.42 |
| Julián Quiñones | 5.42 |
| Benjamín Gutiérrez | 5.33 |
South Korea
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hwang Hee-Chan | 6.55 |
| Son Heung-Min | 6.46 |
| Cho Gue-Sung | 6.25 |
| Paik Seung-Ho | 6.17 |
| Kim Seung-Gyu | 6.08 |
| Lee Jae-Sung | 6.00 |
| Kim Min-Jae | 5.91 |
| Lee Kang-In | 5.91 |
| Eom Ji-Sung | 5.88 |
| Lee Han-Beom | 5.80 |
| Oh Hyeon-Gyu | 5.70 |
| Yang Hyun-Jun | 5.67 |
| Hwang In-Beom | 5.30 |
| Kim Moon-Hwan | 5.30 |
| Lee Gi-Hyuk | 5.10 |
| Seol Young-Woo | 4.64 |
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Mexico | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 1 | 0 |
| Goals | Luis Romo (50′) | — |
| Ball Possession | 43% | 57% |
| Dangerous Attack | 11% | 14% |
| Attack | 16% | 22% |
| Ball Safe | 73% | 64% |
| Goal Attempts | 7 | 5 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 2 |
| Shots off Target | 3 | 3 |
| Corner Kicks | 0 | 2 |
| Goal Kicks | 5 | 6 |
| Saves | 1 | 2 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Free Kicks | 8 | 11 |
| Offsides | 3 | 6 |
| Throw-ins | 18 | 21 |
| Substitutions | 5 | 5 |
| Fouls | 11 | 8 |
| Injuries | 2 | 0 |
