Mexico become first team to reach 2026 World Cup knockout stage

Co-hosts Mexico have made history by becoming the first nation to secure a spot in the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup. Their 1-0 triumph over South Korea at a jubilant Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday guarantees them passage to the next stage as Group A winners with a match to spare.

After a subdued first half, the breakthrough came shortly after halftime when Luis Romo capitalized on a goalkeeping error to score the only goal of the match. The victory ensures Mexico will remain at home for their last-32 fixture, playing against a third-placed team in Mexico City.

Coach Javier Aguirre expressed the immense emotion of the achievement, reserving special praise for goalkeeper Raul Rangel, whose "amazing" double save in the dying minutes preserved Mexico's lead. Aguirre also lauded the "fantastic" support from the home crowd, noting the overwhelming presence of green-clad fans.

South Korea, currently second in the group with three points, still has a strong chance of advancing. They face South Korea next, with both teams vying for a spot alongside Mexico. The match saw tactical play, with both goalkeepers, Mexico's Rangel and South Korea's Kim Seung-gyu, making notable saves. South Korea's captain, Son Heung-min, had an early chance, but it was flagged for offside.

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It’s really difficult to deal with the emotions. His save was just amazing. 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.