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Luis Romo’s goal in the 50th minute sent Mexico into the 32nd minute, which they will play again at home.
Updated on 19 Jun 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 Cohosts Mexico became the first team to reach the finals with a 1-0 win against South Korea in a thrilling match. Guadalajara Stadium Thursday.
Luis Romo’s goal just after the end of the last minute gave Mexico the lead in Group A with a game to spare, following a goal shootout.
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Mexican stopper Raul Rangel, meanwhile, made two saves in the dying minutes to deny the lead.
The top finish puts Mexico at home in the last 32 with a game against the third-placed team in Mexico City. South Korea are second on three points, with Czechia and South Africa still alive on one.
“It was a very close game; we didn’t give up a centimeter and fought for every ball as if it were the last,” Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre told Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca.
“It was a game that everyone on offense lost, and it was them… It was a game to forget, but the result is worth remembering.
“We’ll see how the final game goes and wait for our opponent (in the 32). I’m leaving happy, because it means we’re not leaving home, our beloved Mexico,” he added.
Mexico and South Korea battled it out in front of a Mexican crowd, knowing that a win would ensure quick progress.
Aguirre made three changes from the same side beat South Africa 2-0 a week ago to open the tournament.
His partner, Myung-Bo Hong, only made one change, mainly to keep faith with the team that fought against them. beat Czechia 2-1.
South Korean captain Son Heungmin had the first lead after 15 minutes, diving the ball past Rangel, Edson Alvarez keeping it out and pushing the ball over the line.
Los Angeles FC forward Son was late on ruled offside, although replays showed it was a close call.
Julian Quinoneswho scored the first goal of the tournament, then forced South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu to make a fine header save, raising the decibels.
Another inconsistent half was for South Korea as they kicked the ball around, creating no chances, but managed to keep out the home support.
Jeers were sung at halftime from the Mexican fans.
The Warriors started the second half with more intent, and five minutes went by when Kim came up to take a high ball and beat his own player, throwing it to Romo.
Romo only needed to throw the ball first into an unprotected net, setting off pandemonium.
Hong surprisingly took out the old talismanic Kid just before time and dropped Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Hwang Heechan.
But the Koreans were toothless going forward until the final minutes, when Guadalajara native Rangel saved Mexico.
Mexico will face Czechia in their final match, while South Korea will face South Africa. South Africa and the Czechs it was 1-1 in the past.
