Mexico advances to World Cup knockout stage after 1-0 win against South Korea

Co-host Mexico became the first team to clinch a spot in the World Cup knockout stage after a hard-fought 1-0 win against South Korea on Thursday in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Mexico will go through as the group winner and will play the first knockout match on home soil.

After a goalless first half, Mexico was able to find space through the South Korean defense in the 50th minute as Luis Romo scored the crucial winner - and thanks to a big mistake from goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.

Kim collected a cross but collided against his own teammate and dropped the ball. Romo capitalized on the confusion and slammed the ball into an open net.

Raul Jimenez almost doubled Mexico's lead with a half-volley from inside the area in the 76th minute, but Kim mad a stunning save.

The three points were secured when Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel operated a miracle.

He first repelled Cho Wi-je's effort with his boot. The defender got the ball back and deflected it on target, but Rangel made a save on the line while in a prone position.

"It was difficult. We know them very well. They put us under a lot of pressure. They didn't give us any space and neither did we," Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said.

"In the end, it felt like one mistake was always going to make the difference one way or another. It wasn't a great match and the opposition didn't allow us to do much."

Mexico secured the group win with six points from two wins in as many games. South Korea are second with three points, while Czech Republic and South Africa have one point each after their 1-1 draw earlier.

Mexico hosts the Czech Republic on June 24, while South Korea faces South Africa.

"The way we conceded was disappointing. We will give everything in the last game of the group stage," South Korea coach Hong Myung Bo said.

"I asked the players to remain calm and play our game. It wasn't bad. We kept our composure throughout the game."

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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 9:17 PM.