Mexico 1-0 South Korea: Romo Punishes Kim's Error to Send Hosts Into the Knockouts
Luis Romo's second-half goal, created by a goalkeeping error from Kim Seung-gyu, gave Mexico a 1-0 win over South Korea in Guadalajara and made them the first team through to the World Cup's round of 32.
Mexico became the first team to confirm their place in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, beating South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara on Thursday to clinch top spot in Group A with a match still to play. Luis Romo's second-half goal settled a tense contest between two sides who had each won their opening fixture, and it left El Tri as the tournament's quickest qualifiers for the knockout stage.
The only goal came in the 50th minute at Estadio Akron. Raúl Jiménez rose to meet a cross and headed back across the box; goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, racing to gather, could only push the ball into the path of the onrushing Romo, who lifted it calmly over him from close range. It was a harsh way for South Korea to fall behind in a match that had otherwise been tight, with neither side carving out many clear-cut chances against well-organised defences.
Javier Aguirre's side controlled long spells without ever cutting loose, with South Korea's compact shape and the counter-attacking threat of captain Son Heung-min forcing Mexico to be patient for their opening. Speaking to Mexican broadcasters afterward, Aguirre conceded it had not been a great performance but said his team had refused to give up "a single centimetre" and had made the most of the one opportunity that came their way.
The result leaves Mexico on six points from two games, three clear of South Korea and five ahead of Czechia and South Africa, who play out a draw of their own in the group's other second-round fixture. Mexico have already wrapped up first place in Group A heading into their final group match against Czechia, a luxury that allows Aguirre to consider rotating his squad before the knockout rounds begin.
For South Korea, the defeat leaves them on three points and facing a must-win finale against Czechia to guarantee their own passage. As co-hosts, Mexico's progress carried extra significance, and reaching the last 32 with games still to play — while setting up the possibility of a knockout tie back at the Estadio Azteca — gives Aguirre's side both momentum and a daunting home advantage to call on.
Sources: ESPN — Mexico beat South Korea to clinch first place in Group A · Sky Sports — World Cup 2026: Mexico 1-0 South Korea match report
