Mexico first to reach World Cup knockouts with narrow 1-0 win over South Korea
Mexico became the first team to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, which they are co-hosting, after a 1-0 victory over South Korea at the Guadalajara Stadium on Tuesday.
The match was characterised by a cautious approach from both sides, with few clear chances in the first half. The combined expected goals (xG) for both teams at half-time was 0.11, reflecting the lack of attacking threat. The home crowd expressed their displeasure with boos as the players left the field at the interval.
The breakthrough came in the 50th minute. A cross from the right was headed into the air by Mexico's Raul Jimenez. South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu came to collect the ball but collided with Jimenez and his own defender Lee Gi-hyuk, spilling the ball. Luis Romo, who plays for local club CD Guadalajara, was on hand to tap the ball into an empty net.
South Korea's best chance came shortly after the goal, when captain Son Heung-min ran into the box but could not control the ball, and the move fizzled out. Son was substituted early in the second half, as he had been in Korea's opening match against Czechia.
Mexico then adopted a defensive posture, protecting their lead. South Korea dominated possession, holding 64% in the second half and 53% overall. However, they struggled to create clear opportunities. The first corner of the match came only in the second minute of injury time, awarded to South Korea. Lee Kang-in's cross found Lee Han-beom, but he failed to convert.
The most notable save came in the 87th minute. South Korea's Eom Ji-sung crossed from the left, and Cho Gue-sung directed a header towards goal. Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel saved, but Cho flicked the rebound back on target. Rangel, from a prone position, managed to hold the ball, preserving the lead.
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre had said before the tournament that at a World Cup, the team that plays the prettiest football does not always win; the team that knows how to compete does. This victory confirmed Mexico as group winners, a result that was met with loud cheers from the home fans at full time.
