Mexico became the first team to secure a spot in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-0 victory over South Korea at a raucous Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.

The decisive goal came from Luis Romo early in the second half, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error by South Korea's Kim Seung-gyu, who collided with his own player while attempting to catch a high ball, spilling it directly to Romo.

Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel made a stunning double save in the dying minutes to preserve the lead, ensuring his team's progression as Group A winners.

Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre said: "It was a very close game; we didn't give up a single centimeter and fought for every ball. It was a game where whoever made a mistake would lose, and it was them. The result is one to remember."

Finishing top keeps Mexico at home for the Round of 32, where they will face a third-placed team in Mexico City. South Korea sit second with three points, while Czechia and South Africa each have one point.

Source: www.aljazeera.com