World Cup 2026: Mexico reach World Cup knockout stage first after beating South Korea
Key takeaways
- Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage after a 1-0 victory over South Korea at a jubilant Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.
- Luis Romo's goal just after half-time put Mexico through as Group A winners with a match to go following a goalkeeping clanger.
- In contrast, Mexico stopper Raul Rangel made a superb double save in the dying minutes to preserve their lead.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage after a 1-0 victory over South Korea at a jubilant Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday. Luis Romo scored shortly after halftime, capitalising on a goalkeeping error, to seal Mexico's second straight win and confirm them as Group. A winners with one match remaining.
By: FRANCE 24 A soccer match between Mexico and South Korea in Zapopan, Mexico, June 18, 2026 © Silvia Izquierdo, AP Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over South Korea at a delirious Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.
Luis Romo's goal just after half-time put Mexico through as Group A winners with a match to go following a goalkeeping clanger.