Mexico edge South Korea 1-0 to qualify for World Cup last 32

Raul Rangel produces a crucial late save to protect Mexico's lead and clean sheet

Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group A - Mexico v South Korea - Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico – Jun 18, 2026 Mexico's Edson Alvarez celebrates with Obed Vargas after the match REUTERS/Daniel Becerril

Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 in the World Cup on Thursday to win Group A, with Luis Romo's second-half goal securing the hosts their place in the knockout stage.

Mexico broke through five minutes into the second half after the South Korean goalkeeper, Kim Seung-gyu, made a costly error when he failed to gather a cross after colliding with a teammate, allowing Romo to volley into an unguarded net.

Kim later made amends with a save to deny Raul Jimenez, while Raul Rangel in the Mexican goal brilliantly stopped a late attempt from Yang Hyun-jun to preserve Mexico's clean sheet.

The result leaves Mexico on six points to qualify as Group A winners. They will face Czech Republic at the Estadio Azteca on Wednesday, while South Korea, on three points, face South Africa in Monterrey.