Mexico booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea, becoming the first team to secure qualification for the knockout stage after capitalising on a costly defensive error at Estadio Akron .
The win, built on resilience and sharp finishing, marked a major turnaround for El Tri after their group-stage exit in 2022, while also extending their perfect start to the tournament with back-to-back victories on home soil.
Romo pounces after goalkeeping blunder
The decisive moment arrived five minutes after the break when South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu collided with defender Lee Gi-hyuk while attempting to deal with a routine ball inside the box. The mishap left the ball loose in a dangerous area, where Mexico midfielder Luis Romo reacted quickest to slot home into an empty net.
It was Romo’s first goal in a major international tournament and proved enough to separate the sides in a tense Group A encounter.
The match itself had been largely cagey, with both teams struggling to create clear chances in a first half that ended to loud boos from sections of the crowd. Mexico, however, had shown slightly more intent, with Roberto Alvarado and Julián Quiñones both testing the South Korean defence before the interval.
Rangel stands tall as Mexico seal qualification
South Korea pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages and came agonisingly close in the 87th minute. Substitute Cho Gue-sung’s close-range header was brilliantly saved by Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, who then produced a remarkable reflex stop to deny Yang Hyun-jun on the rebound.
That double save proved decisive as Mexico held firm under late pressure to secure all three points and guarantee top spot in Group A with six points from two matches.
The result also ensured Mexico became the first team to confirm passage into the expanded Round of 32 format, introduced after the World Cup’s expansion to 48 teams.
Perfect start lifts Mexico into knockout rounds
Mexico’s triumph was celebrated wildly at full-time, with players gathering at midfield to salute the packed Estadio Akron crowd, who responded with chants and applause.
El Tri had opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa and now sit three points clear of South Korea, with the Czech Republic and South Africa sharing a point after their draw earlier in the day.
While South Korea remain in contention, they now face a decisive final group fixture against South Africa, while Mexico will look to complete a perfect group stage when they face the Czech Republic.
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