romo's strike sends el tri through | mexico beat south korea 1-0 in guadalajara

MATCH INFO
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Mexico 1-0 South Korea
Date: June 18, 2026
Competition: FIFA World Cup - Group A
Venue: Guadalajara Stadium, Zapopan

mexico became the first team to advance to the knockout stage of the 2026 fifa world cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over south korea. luis romo scored the game's only goal following a costly defensive mistake, securing top spot in group a for the co-hosts.

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Goals

• minute 50 luis romo finish: 1-0 mexico. south korea goalkeeper kim seung-gyu collides with a defender and spills the ball, allowing romo to comfortably finish into an empty net.

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How It Went

playing in front of a passionate home crowd at the guadalajara stadium, mexico were frustrated during a cagey first half that ended with boos from sections of the supporters. the breakthrough came shortly after the restart when romo capitalized on a bizarre mix-up at the back for south korea. the visitors finally sprang into action in the closing stages, searching for an equalizer. however, mexico goalkeeper raúl rangel produced an incredible double save in the 87th minute to deny cho gue-sung and yang hyun-jun, preserving the win and sparking wild celebrations.

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Quick Take

• mexico are the first team to officially book their place in the round of 32.
• guaranteed home advantage for the rest of the group stage and their upcoming knockout tie in mexico city.
• a nightmare moment for kim seung-gyu, whose error gifted mexico the decisive goal.
• raúl rangel's late double save is already being called one of the best moments of the tournament.
• south korea must now get a positive result against south africa in their final group game to keep their world cup hopes alive.