Kim Seung-gyu fumbles the ball while Korea faced off against Mexico at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Guadalajara, on June 19, 2026 (Korea time), in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Kim Young-won/Hankyoreh)
South Korea suffered a shock defeat to Mexico, extending their winless streak in second group-stage matches at the World Cup (4 draws and 8 losses).Under head coach Hong Myung-bo, Korea lost 0-1 to Mexico in their second Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday (Korea time) at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, due to a defensive error.Korea now sit second in the group behind Mexico (2 wins), with 1 win and 1 loss. A 1-1 draw between the Czech Republic (1 draw, 1 loss) and South Africa (1 draw, 1 loss) meant Korea stayed in second place. Korea will face South Africa in their final group match on June 25 at 10 am (Korea time) and must at least secure a draw to keep hopes of advancing to the round of 32 alive.After a stable defensive first half, the match opened up after the break, and the breakthrough goal ultimately went to Mexico, backed by the home crowd. In the 50th minute of the second half, goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu came off his line to deal with a high ball. After catching it mid-air, he collided with defender Lee Gi-hyuk on the way down, losing control and allowing the ball to spill. Mexico’s Luis Romo reacted quickly and scored with a volley.Hong then brought on Hwang Hee-chan, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Eom Ji-sung, Yang Hyun-jun, and Cho Gue-sung in search of an equalizer. However, Mexico’s goalkeeper fended off Cho’s powerful late header, and Korea ultimately failed to break through Mexico’s disciplined defense despite sustained pressure.Korea now trail in the all-time head-to-head record against Mexico with 4 wins, 3 draws, and 9 losses, and have once again failed to win their second group-stage match at a World Cup.“The players executed well and according to training,” Hong said during a post-match interview. “It’s a shame to give up a goal like that, but that’s part of the game. We’ll prepare well and go all in for the final game.”By Son Hyun-soo, staff reporterPlease direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]
