Luis Romo’s second half goal secures a 1-0 victory over South Korea and top spot in Group A….reports London Daily News Desk
Mexico became the first nation to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after a hard fought 1-0 victory over South Korea at Guadalajara Stadium on Friday (IST).
Luis Romo’s second half strike proved decisive as the co hosts maintained their perfect start to the tournament and sealed top spot in Group A with one game still to play.
The breakthrough came five minutes after the restart when a costly mix up between South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung gyu and defender Lee Gihyuk left the ball loose inside the penalty area. Romo reacted quickest and calmly slotted into an empty net to send the home supporters into celebration.
Mexico could have taken the lead earlier through Jesus Gallardo, whose low effort struck the side netting shortly after the interval. The hosts emerged from the break with greater urgency after a largely even first half.
South Korea had threatened first when captain Son Heung min appeared to have beaten goalkeeper Raul Rangel with a deft finish after 15 minutes. However, Edson Alvarez produced an acrobatic goal line clearance and the move was later ruled offside, although replays suggested the decision was a close one.
Mexico responded through Julian Quinones, whose header forced a sharp save from Kim, but clear opportunities remained limited before the break as South Korea enjoyed long spells of possession without seriously testing the Mexican defence.
The decisive moment arrived in the 50th minute when Kim misjudged a high ball and collided with his own defender, allowing Romo a simple finish.
Kim later redeemed himself with an outstanding save to deny Raul Jimenez from close range in the 75th minute, keeping South Korea within reach of an equaliser.
The Koreans pushed hard in the closing stages and came agonisingly close to levelling with three minutes remaining. Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel preserved the lead with a remarkable double save, first denying Cho Gue sung and then reacting quickly to stop Yang Hyun jun from the rebound.
The result guarantees Mexico a place in the round of 32 as Group A winners. Javier Aguirre’s side will face a third placed team from Group C, E, F, H or I in Mexico City on June 30.
South Korea remain second in the group with three points and still control their destiny ahead of their final group match against South Africa on June 25. Mexico will conclude their group campaign against Czechia on the same day.
