Mexico vs South Korea: El Tri First Into World Cup Last 32

Mexico vs South Korea – (Web Desk) – Mexico vs South Korea ended in a 1-0 win for the hosts on Thursday, making Mexico the first nation to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The only goal came just five minutes into the second half. South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu rushed out for a high ball and collided with his own teammate Lee Gi-hyuk. The ball spilled loose and Luis Romo was right there to tap it into an empty net.

Mexico fans inside Guadalajara Stadium had booed their team off the pitch at half-time. The first half was slow and disappointing. But the home crowd quickly changed their tune once Romo put the ball in the back of the net.

South Korea came closest to an equaliser late on. Cho Gue-sung got his head to a cross in the 87th minute but goalkeeper Raul Rangel made a fine save. Yang Hyun-jun was first to the rebound but Rangel blocked that too with a brilliant second stop.

Earlier in the match, South Korea captain Son Heung-min had chipped the ball over Rangel in a moment of individual quality. However, the flag was up for offside and the goal was rightly ruled out.

Mexico also had chances to make the win more comfortable. Raul Jimenez fired at goal from a tight angle in the 75th minute but Kim turned it away. Substitute Obed Vargas also tested the South Korea keeper with a powerful late effort.

With two wins from two games, Mexico top Group A and are confirmed as group winners. Javier Aguirre’s side will now play both their Round of 32 and potential Round of 16 games in Mexico City.

If England win their group and first knockout match, the two sides could meet in the last 16. That is a mouthwatering prospect fans on both sides are already talking about.

South Korea still have strong chances of advancing despite the defeat. Their earlier win over Czech Republic keeps them in a healthy position heading into their final group game against South Africa on Thursday.