Mexico 1-0 Korea Republic
Mexico goal: Romo (50)
GUADALAJARA, MEXICO — Luis Romo was the hero for co-hosts Mexico as they defeated Korea Republic to secure the first spot in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
There was a flyover above a fervent Guadalajara Stadium ahead of this contest, but the game itself took a while to take off and chances were at a premium in the opening period.
Jesus Gallardo signalled Mexico’s intent to take charge of proceedings when he sent a low shot into the side-netting four minutes into the second half though, and the co-hosts were celebrating one minute later when Romo was on hand to prod into the unguarded net after a mix up between Kim Seunggyu and Lee Gihyuk.
Kim went some way to atoning for his part in the goal by staying big to deny Raul Jimenez from close range with a sensational stop in the 75th minute, and his opposite number Raul Rangel then pulled off a scarcely-believable double save from Cho Guesung and Yang Hyunjun with three minutes remaining to wrap up the win for Mexico.
With first place in the bag, Javier Aguirre’s side will now meet a third-placed team from one of Group C, E, F, H or I in the Round of 32 in Mexico City on 30 June.
|
Group A
|
P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | TCS | Pts | Form | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Mexico
|
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | -5 | 6 |
–
–
–
|
|
| 2 |
 Korea Republic
|
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | -3 | 3 |
–
–
–
|
|
| 3 |
 Czechia
|
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | -1 | 1 |
–
–
–
|
|
| 4 |
 South Africa
|
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | -12 | 1 |
–
–
–
|
|
Key stat
With this victory, Mexico have now won three successive World Cup matches for the first time.
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Luis Romo (Mexico)
What they said…
“It was difficult. We know them very well. They put us under a lot of pressure. They didn’t give us any space, and neither did we. In the end, it felt like one mistake was always going to make the difference one way or the other. It wasn’t a great match, and the opposition didn’t allow us to do much.” Javier Aguirre, Mexico coach
“We played just as we planned. The way we conceded was disappointing. We will give everything in the last game of the group stage. I asked the players to remain calm and play our game. It wasn’t bad. We kept our composure throughout the game. We will focus on preparing for the next game now.” Hong Myungbo, Korea Republic coach
Information and Photos Courtesy of FIFA
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