Romo the Hero as Mexico Qualify for Knockout Rounds

Mexico became the first country to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout rounds after defeating South Korea 1-0.

Midfielder Luis Romo's second-half goal secured the victory in front of a home crowd of 45,522 at the Estadio Guadalajara.

Mexico had beaten South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener and with their second consecutive clean sheet, moved them to six points and secured the top spot in Group A.

South Korea have three points from two games after their 2-1 over Czechia in the first round.

After ta toothless first half, Romo pounced on a loose ball to side foot it into an unguarded net after a miscommunication between South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and defender Lee Gi-hyuk.

South Korea's best Chace to equalise arrived in the 87th minute when substitute Cho Gue-sung connected with a dangerous cross.

But his powerful close-range header was blocked by Mexican goalkeeper Raul Rangel as well as Yang Hyun-jun's immediate follow-up strike.

Player of the Match :Luis Romo (Mexico)

"We've been doing very well. It wasn't a great match, but I think that our opponent didn't let us do too much. But we still were able to score on that mistake, in addition to another two or three opportunities," Mexico manager Javier Aguirre said.

Luis Romo earns the @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match trophy!

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/PVQRuzfiY2

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 19, 2026