MEXICO CITY, Mexico — Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to secure a place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after edging South Korea 1-0 in front of a jubilant home crowd at Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.
A second-half goal from midfielder Luis Romo proved decisive as Mexico maintained their perfect start to the tournament, sealing qualification to the Round of 32 with one group match still to play.
The victory also guarantees Mexico top spot in Group A, ensuring they remain on home soil for their knockout fixture in Mexico City against one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
South Korea remain second in the group on three points, while the Czech Republic and South Africa are still mathematically in contention after their earlier 1-1 draw.
With qualification at stake, both teams approached the contest knowing that a win would secure passage to the next round.
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre made three changes to the side that defeated South Africa 2-0 in their opening fixture, while South Korea manager Hong Myung-bo largely retained faith in the team that came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1.
South Korea captain Son Heung-min nearly silenced the home crowd after 15 minutes when he lifted the ball over goalkeeper Raul Rangel. However, defender Edson Alvarez produced an acrobatic bicycle clearance off the goal line to keep the scores level.
Although the assistant referee eventually raised the offside flag, replays suggested the decision was far from straightforward.
Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones, whose powerful header forced South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu into an important save as the hosts searched for an opener.
Despite enjoying less possession, Mexico remained dangerous on the counterattack, while South Korea controlled much of the first-half tempo without creating clear-cut opportunities.
The lack of attacking urgency from the hosts prompted frustration among sections of the Guadalajara crowd, with boos ringing out at halftime.
Mexico emerged from the break with renewed energy and were rewarded five minutes into the second half.
A high ball into the South Korean penalty area caused confusion as goalkeeper Kim rushed off his line and collided with one of his own defenders. The ball spilled kindly to Romo, who calmly slotted into an empty net to send the stadium into celebration.
The goal transformed the atmosphere and injected confidence into the Mexican side as they sought to protect their lead.
In response, South Korea made a bold tactical adjustment, withdrawing veteran captain Son before the hour mark and introducing Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan.
However, the Asians struggled to break down a disciplined Mexican defence for much of the second half.
South Korea finally mounted sustained pressure in the closing stages and came agonisingly close to rescuing a point.
Goalkeeper Raul Rangel emerged as Mexico’s hero, producing a superb double save in the dying minutes to deny the visitors and preserve the narrow advantage.
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The late intervention ensured Mexico secured all three points and became the first side at the tournament to officially book their place in the knockout rounds.
Mexico now sit comfortably atop Group A with six points from two matches and will face the Czech Republic in their final group-stage fixture.
South Korea, meanwhile, remain well positioned to advance but will need a positive result against South Africa to guarantee progression.
With qualification already secured and top spot confirmed, Mexico can now turn their attention toward the knockout stage, where hopes of a deep run on home soil continue to gather momentum.
