Mexico beats South Korea 1-0, secures round‑of‑32 spot at 2026 World Cup

On 18 June 2026, the Mexican national football team defeated South Korea 1‑0 in Guadalajara, securing first place in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and guaranteeing a round‑of‑32 match in Mexico City. The winning goal came in the 49th minute when midfielder Luis Romo capitalised on a mistake by South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung‑gyu, who failed to clear a cross and allowed the ball to roll into the open net.

The victory ended a historical pattern – Mexico had previously lost every World Cup match it played as host in 1970 and 1986. Coach Javier Aguirre fielded a line‑up that included Edson Álvarez, Raúl Jiménez and Jorge Sánchez, while the match drew more than 45 000 spectators. The win also ensured Mexico’s leadership of Group A and its progression to the knockout stage as the tournament’s first host nation to advance.

The result was celebrated across the country, highlighting the significance of the home‑soil advantage and renewing optimism for the team's prospects in the upcoming knockout rounds.