Mexico became the first country to book their place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over South Korea in the early hours of Friday.
The co-hosts narrowly edged the clash by a single goal courtesy of a second half strike from Luis Romo, after an error by the South Korean goalkeeper, which sealed their second win in as many matches.
It moves them up to six points, while South Korea remain on three after the defeat.
Goalless first half in Chivas
Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup tournament with a 2-0 win over South Africa last week, while South Korea came from behind to seal a 2-1 win over Czech Republic in their opening match.
Both sides settled into possession, but South Korea made the best chance to score when Heung-Min Son ‘s dink over the goalkeeper was cleared off the line by Edson Alvarez.
Alvarado then cross for Julian Quinones, who scored the first goal of the 2026 World Cup, and his header was saved by the South Korea goalkeeper.
The first half ended without a goal as both sides struggled to create much from the game.
Romo gives Mexico win after goalkeeper howler
It took Mexico only five minutes to break the deadlock after the restart as city boy Luis Romo opened the scoring after a howler by Seung-Gyu Kim.
The South Korean goalkeeper came out to claim a cross but dropped the ball in the process, allowing Romo to fire home.
The goalkeeper was much better later on as he kept out an attempt from Raul Jimenez, before he produced a late stop to deny Vargas.
South Korea almost grabbed an equalizer on the stroke of halftime, but Rangel denied them with a superb double save to keep his side in the lead.
The game ended in a 1-0 win for Mexico, who became the first nation to reach the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
What Next?
With knockout football sealed, Mexico will now be aiming to top the group when they face Czech Republic in their next clash.
Meanwhile, South Korea head into their clash against South Africa, needing a result to book their place in the next round.
