Mexico's 1-0 win over South Korea moved them onto six points from two matches and ensured their first knockout game would be played in Mexico City on Jun 30.
Mexico's Luis Romo, third left, celebrates with his teammates after scoring g his team's first goal during the World Cup Group A match between Mexico and South Korea in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, on Jun 18, 2026. (Photo: AP/Natacha Pisarenko)
19 Jun 2026 11:08AM
(Updated: 19 Jun 2026 11:46AM)
GUADALAJARA, Mexico: Mexico booked their place in the World Cup knockout stage as Group A winners and secured home advantage for the round of 32 after Luis Romo's second-half strike earned the tournament co-hosts a 1-0 win over South Korea on Thursday (Jun 18).The victory moved Javier Aguirre's side onto six points from two matches and ensured their first knockout game would be played in Mexico City on Jun 30, while maintaining their perfect start to the tournament.Romo broke the deadlock three minutes after the restart, capitalising on a costly mistake by goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu. The South Korea keeper spilled a cross after colliding with a teammate, allowing the Mexico midfielder a simple finish into an unguarded net from the centre of the box.The goal transformed the mood inside Guadalajara Stadium after an uninspiring first half that ended with sections of the home crowd booing the hosts off the pitch.
