World Cup, Mexico beats South Korea 1-0 and qualifies for the direct elimination phase

Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 and became the first team to reach the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. Aguirre’s men, thanks to Romo’s goal in the 50th minute which took advantage of a bad mistake coming out of Kim Seung-gyu, also secured the lead in group A. The match was rather blocked in Guadalajaradecided by a sensational defensive blunder from Hong Myung-Bo’s eleven, who gives a Romo (50′) the goal and three important points for Mexico to go solo at the top of the group. The hosts fly to 6 points, while Korea remains stuck on three. The Czech Republic and South Africa are tied in third place with one point. On the final day, Mexico will face the Czech Republic (25 June, 3.00 am), while Korea will face South Africa (25 June, 3.00 am).

Mexico closed at the start of the match

Courageous start of South Koreawho keeps Mexico in their own half but fails to create danger in Rangel’s area. The hosts try on the counterattack with Quinones: the Mexican winger’s weak right foot will be the only shot towards the target of the entire first half. Coming out of the locker room here is the advantage of Aguirre’s selection: sensational error coming out of Kim Seung-Gyu, who collides with Lee Gi-Hyuk in the area. The ball goes loose and Romo strikes, scoring the 1-0 in the 50th minute with the goal practically unguarded. The game comes to a head and the teams extend their lead with Mexico coming close to doubling their lead in the 74th minute with Jimenez, stopped by a quick clearance from Kim Seung-Gyu. The changes give new life to the team Aguirrewho continues to try to double the lead even in the final, but Kim Seung-Gyu does well to block Pineda from 25 meters. Three minutes from the end, Korea came within centimeters of the equalizer: on a cross from the left, Cho Gue-Sung stood alone in the penalty area, but was stopped by a reactive Rangel, who rejected and blocked Oh Hyeon-Gyu’s rebound on the goal line.