Mexico tops Group A after 1-0 win over South Korea

Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 on 18 June 2026 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara and became the first team to advance to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Luis Romo scored the only goal in the 50th minute after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu collided with defender Lee Gi-hyuk inside the penalty area and dropped the ball.

Romo collected the loose ball and placed it into the open net.

Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel preserved the lead with two saves in the 87th minute, first stopping a close-range header from Cho Gue-sung and then extending his right arm to block Yang Hyun-jun's rebound attempt. Rangel also saved a close-range shot from Raúl Jiménez in the 75th minute, while Kim Seung-gyu made a save on another Jiménez attempt in the same sequence.

South Korea forward Son Heung-min was substituted in the 57th minute.

The announced attendance was 45,522 at the 45,664-capacity stadium, which hosted Mexico's national team for the first time. Mexico finished Group A with six points from two matches. South Korea has three points, while the Czech Republic and South Africa each have one point after their 1-1 draw earlier the same day in Atlanta.

Mexico opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over South Africa. South Korea began with a 2-1 victory against the Czech Republic. Mexico will face the Czech Republic on 24 June 2026 in Mexico City, and South Korea will play South Africa the same day in Monterrey.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said the match "wasn't a great match" but noted that his team scored on the defensive mistake plus two or three other opportunities. Mexico had never previously won a World Cup match on home soil outside Mexico City. Its nine prior home matches in the 1970 and 1986 tournaments were played at Estadio Azteca except for one loss to Italy in Toluca in 1970.

South Korea is appearing in its 11th consecutive World Cup and 12th overall. Its best finish remains fourth place at the 2002 tournament it co-hosted with Japan. Mexico players celebrated at midfield after the final whistle.