Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the World Cup after a 1-0 victory over South Korea at a packed and emotional Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.
After a slow and largely uneventful first half, Luis Romo’s goal shortly after the restart proved decisive, as Mexico capitalised on a goalkeeping error to take the lead and ultimately seal qualification as Group A winners with a match still to play.
The breakthrough came when South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu misjudged a high ball and collided with a teammate, spilling possession into Romo’s path, allowing him to tap into an empty net and send the home crowd into celebration.
Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel emerged as the standout performer in the closing stages, producing a brilliant double save in the dying minutes to preserve the lead and secure all three points for the hosts.
Coach Javier Aguirre praised both his team’s resilience and the atmosphere created by supporters in Guadalajara.
“It was quite a tactical match, and hard to digest for the fans, but they were outstanding,” Aguirre said.
He also highlighted Rangel’s decisive intervention, calling it a “just amazing” save that helped seal victory.
Mexico’s progression means they will remain in the country for the round of 32, where they are set to face a third-placed team in Mexico City.
South Korea, led by Hong Myung-bo, remain second in the group on three points and still have a strong chance of advancing alongside the Czech Republic and South Africa, who are also in contention.
The match began with South Korea showing early promise through captain Son Heung-min, who nearly opened the scoring with a clever lob, only for Edson Alvarez to clear off the line with an acrobatic intervention. The effort was later ruled offside.
Mexico responded through Julian Quinones, who forced a sharp save from Kim Seung-gyu with a powerful header that lifted the intensity inside the stadium.
However, the first half remained largely controlled by South Korea, who dominated possession but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities, frustrating the home crowd.
Jeers were heard at half-time as Mexico failed to break down their opponents.
The hosts returned with greater urgency after the break and struck within five minutes of the restart to take the lead.
South Korea attempted to respond, with Hwang Hee-chan introduced after Son Heung-min was surprisingly substituted, but they struggled to create meaningful chances in attack.
Mexico held firm under late pressure, with Rangel’s heroics ensuring they maintained their perfect start to the tournament.
South Korea will now turn their attention to their final group match against the Czech Republic, while Mexico prepare to continue their strong campaign on home soil.
