Guadalajara. Mexico have made history on home soil by becoming the first nation to secure a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
El Tri guaranteed their progression and sealed top spot in Group A following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea at the Guadalajara Stadium on Friday.
Following a tense and goalless first half, the decisive breakthrough arrived in the 50th minute.
Midfielder Luis Romo rose to the occasion, capitalising on a costly misjudgement by South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu to slot home what would prove to be the winning goal.
The solitary strike was enough to hand the co-hosts their second consecutive victory of the tournament, sparking jubilant celebrations across the host nation.
Mexico’s passage to the round of 32 was further solidified by the outcome of the group’s other second-round fixture.
On Thursday, the Czech Republic and South Africa played out a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Atlanta Stadium, a result that ultimately cleared the path for the Mexicans to win the group with a game to spare.
In that encounter, the Central Europeans took an early lead when midfielder Michal Sadilek struck in the sixth minute, capitalising on defensive hesitation after a long throw-in.
The Czechs dominated large spells of the match but failed to find a reassuring second goal.
They were ultimately penalised in the 83rd minute when a handball in the penalty area allowed South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena to step up and coolly convert from the penalty spot, rescuing a crucial point for Bafana Bafana.
With Mexico comfortably sitting at the summit of Group A with six points, South Korea remain in second place with three points.
Both the Czech Republic and South Africa sit on one point each, meaning the battle for the second qualification spot will go down to a thrilling final matchday.
Mexico will look to maintain their perfect record when they face the Czechs in their final group game, whilst South Korea prepare for a decisive showdown against South Africa.
