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

Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara to top Group A, with Luis Romo scoring the decisive second-half goal after a costly goalkeeping error. The win secures Mexico’s place in the knockout stage as group winners.

REUTERS

June 19, 2026

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

Mexico’s Luis Romo celebrates with teammates after scoring their first goal against South Korea in a Group A match at Estadio Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico, June 18, 2026.

Daniel Becerril / Reuters

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 in World Cup Group A action on Thursday to finish top of the group, with Luis Romo’s second-half goal securing the hosts’ place in the knockout stage.

Mexico broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu failed to collect a cross following a collision with a teammate, allowing Romo to volley into an unguarded net.

Kim later redeemed himself with a save to deny Raúl Jiménez, while Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel produced a brilliant late stop to keep out Yang Hyun-jun and preserve a clean sheet.

The result gives Mexico six points from the group stage and confirms them as Group A winners. They will face the Czech Republic at Estadio Azteca on Wednesday in the Round of 16.

South Korea, who finish with three points, will play South Africa in Monterrey in their final group match. -Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico CityEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters