Co-hosts Mexico are the first team to progress to the Knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup following their lone goal victory over South Korea in Guadalajara, Yankee Scores reports.
Luis Romo of Mexico was perfectly positioned to take advantage of the empty net when goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu slipped on the ball after a challenge from his team-mate Lee Gi-hyuk in the 50th minute of the game.
🇲🇽 Mexico have qualified for the Round of 32!#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 19, 2026
South Korea came close in the 87th minute but Cho Gue-sung’s effort in a header was saved by Raul Rangel while goalkeeper Rangel then saved from Yang Hyun-jun.
In the early stages of the game, captain Son Heung-min hit the bar after chipping the goalkeeper Rangel before he took a shot which was blocked on the goal-line by Edson Alvarez, although Son was offside.
The Mexican supporters who jeered their team at half-time after their first half performance almost added another goal in the 75th minute as Raul Jimenez shot from an acute angle was stopped.
Obed Vargas, coming off the bench, put goalkeeper Kim to work with a stunning effort that required a fine diving save in the latter stages of the game.
The victory maintained Mexico’s unbeaten record at the World Cup and assures Javier Aguirre’s team will qualify as the Group A winners, per BBC Sport.
Potential England Face-Off
With their qualification, the hosts will play their round-of-32 and potential round-of-16 matches in Mexico City. They might also play against England should Tuchel’s side top their group and win their first knockout game.
Despite losing the game, South Korea still stand a decent chance of qualifying considering their opening victory against the Czech Republic.
They are set to face South Africa next on Thursday (02:00 BST) in Monterrey. México’s final group match is also at the same hour against the Czech Republic in Mexico City.
