Mexico became the first nation to secure a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging South Korea 1-0 in front of a jubilant home crowd in Guadalajara on Thursday.

A second-half goal from Luis Romo proved enough to hand the co-hosts their second consecutive victory of the tournament and guarantee top spot in Group A with a game to spare.

The decisive moment arrived five minutes after the restart when South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu misjudged a high ball and collided with a teammate while attempting to claim it. The loose ball fell kindly to Romo, who calmly tapped into an empty net to spark celebrations around the packed stadium.

The victory means Mexico will remain on home soil for the next round and head to Mexico City for their Round of 32 fixture.

Despite enjoying long spells of possession, South Korea struggled to turn their control into meaningful chances. Their best opportunity of the opening half came through captain Son Heung-min, who lofted the ball over goalkeeper Raúl Rangel only for defender Edson Álvarez to produce a spectacular bicycle-kick clearance off the goal line.

Mexico had chances of their own before the break. Julián Quiñones tested Kim with a powerful header, but the South Korean goalkeeper reacted sharply to keep the scores level.

The hosts responded with greater urgency after the interval, and Romo’s goal shifted the momentum decisively in their favour.

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo attempted to spark a comeback by introducing Hwang Hee-chan before the hour mark. However, the Asian side struggled to break through Mexico’s defence.

Only in the closing stages did South Korea mount serious pressure. Mexico goalkeeper Rangel was called into action late on and delivered a crucial double save to deny the visitors an equaliser and preserve his side’s perfect record.

Mexico now sit comfortably atop Group A and have already booked their place in the knockout rounds. South Korea remain second on three points and still control their own destiny heading into the final group match.

The Koreans will face South Africa in a decisive final-round encounter, while Mexico conclude their group campaign against the Czech Republic.

Earlier in the day, South Africa and the Czech Republic played out a 1-1 draw, leaving qualification still up for grabs behind the group leaders.