Mexico become first team to reach World Cup 2026 knockout stage

Mexico became the first team from Group A to secure a place in the FIFA 2026 World Cup knockout stage after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea on Thursday night.

Luis Romo scored the decisive goal at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara as El Tri claimed top spot in the group with a game to spare.

After a cagey first half, Romo broke the deadlock shortly after the restart, capitalising on a costly goalkeeping error to hand Mexico all three points.

Romo strike sends Mexico through

The match offered few clear-cut chances before Romo’s intervention proved the difference.

Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel then produced a superb double save in the closing stages to preserve the lead and ensure Javier Aguirre’s side maintained their perfect start to the tournament.

The result guarantees Mexico will finish top of Group A and remain on home soil for their Round of 32 clash in Mexico City against a third-placed team.

Aguirre praises fans and goalkeeper

Speaking after the match, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre admitted the pressure of playing in front of home supporters had added to the occasion.

“It’s really difficult to deal with the emotions,” Aguirre said.

He reserved special praise for match-saving goalkeeper Rangel and the passionate crowd in Guadalajara.

“His save was just amazing,” Aguirre said.

“It was quite a tactical match and hard to digest for the fans, but they were outstanding.

“I would just like to say thank you to them. They’ve been fantastic ever since we got here.

“Mexico jerseys were everywhere. Everywhere you turned, it was green shirts.”

Qualification battle remains open

While Mexico are safely through, the battle for the second qualification spot remains wide open.

South Korea sit second on three points, while South Africa and the Czech Republic both remain in contention with one point each.

Hong Myung-bo’s South Korean side will face South Africa in their final group match, knowing a positive result could secure their passage to the knockout rounds.

Meanwhile, the Czech Republic must overcome Mexico to keep its qualification hopes alive.

With one round of matches remaining, three teams are still fighting for the final place in the last 32 from Group A.