Mexico 1–0 South Korea: Romo pounces on goalkeeper error to seal Group A
Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup, beating South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara to finish top of Group A on six points. The sides went in level at the break after a cagey, low-chance first half in which Mexico managed only three shots.
The decisive moment came five minutes after the restart. South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu fumbled following a Raul Jimenez header, and Luis Romo seized on the loose ball to finish into the unguarded net in the 50th minute. South Korea pushed late and went close in the 87th minute, but Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel produced a crucial double save to deny substitute Cho Gue-sung's close-range header and then Yang Hyun-jun on the rebound, preserving the lead and the win.
Key moments
- •Luis Romo scored the only goal in the 50th minute, capitalising on a Kim Seung-gyu error.
- •Mexico became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup knockout stage.
- •The result confirmed Mexico as Group A winners with six points from two matches.
- •Raul Rangel's 87th-minute double save denied Cho Gue-sung and Yang Hyun-jun to protect the lead.
- •The teams were goalless at half-time after a low-chance opening 45 minutes.
Timeline
Match facts
- Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
- 45,522 attendance
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- Referee: Gustavo Tejera (Uruguay)
Match report generated from publicly available sources. Facts are drawn from the sources below.