FIFA WC 2026: Mexico 1-0 South Korea; hosts first to reach round of 32
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Zapopan: Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure qualification for the round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a 1-0 win over South Korea at Guadalajara Stadium on Friday.
Luis Romo scored shortly after the break when a goalkeeping error by Kim Seung-gyu left the net unguarded; Romo tapped in in the 50th minute. Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel preserved the lead with a superb double save in the closing stages, denying Cho Gue-sung and Yang Hyun-jun.
The result confirmed Mexico as Group A winners with one match to spare. Javier Aguirre’s side will face a third-placed team from Groups C, E, F, H or I in the round of 32 in Mexico City on June 30. South Korea remain second on three points, while Czechia and South Africa also stay in contention with one point each.
Mexico will meet Czechia in their final group game, while South Korea play South Africa on June 25.
The match was cagey for long periods. South Korea had the first notable chance when Son Heung-min lifted the ball over the goalkeeper; Edson Álvarez cleared it off the line with a bicycle kick and the effort was later ruled offside. After a subdued first half, Mexico started the second half brighter. Jesus Gallardo rattled the side-netting before Romo profited from the mix-up between Kim and defender Lee Gihyuk to open the scoring.
South Korea pushed for an equaliser and Kim produced a strong stop to deny Raúl Jiménez in the 75th minute, but Mexico held on to become the tournament’s first confirmed qualifiers.
(Inputs from IANS)