Mexico Becomes First Team to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage

Co‑hosts Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds of the World Cup with a 1‑0 win over South Korea at the vibrant Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.

After a slow first half, Luis Romo’s goal just after half‑time—created by a goalkeeping mistake—gave Mexico the victory and secured their place as Group A winners with one match remaining.

Mexico’s goalkeeper Raul Rangel made a superb double save in the closing minutes to preserve the lead.

Finishing top keeps Mexico at home in the last 32, where they will face a third‑placed team in Mexico City.

“It’s really difficult to deal with the emotions,” coach Javier Aguirre said of the challenges heading into the game.

He praised Rangel and the supporters in Guadalajara.

“His save was just amazing,” said Aguirre. “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.”

South Korea are second on three points, with the Czech Republic and South Africa also still alive on one.

Hong Myung‑bo’s side will face South Africa next and remain in a good position to advance.

– Tale of two goalkeepers –

Aguirre made three changes from the side that beat South Africa 2‑0 a week ago to open the tournament.

Hong made only one alteration for South Korea, largely keeping faith with the team that fought back to defeat the Czech Republic 2‑1.

Captain Son Heung‑min had the first shot at goal after 15 minutes, looping the ball over Rangel, but Edson Álvarez prevented it with a bicycle‑kick on the line.

Los Angeles FC attacker Son was later flagged for offside, although replays suggested it was a close call.

Julian Quílez, who scored the opening goal of the tournament, then forced South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung‑gyu into a good save from a header, raising the decibels.

The rest of an uneventful first half belonged to South Korea as they moved the ball around at will, never creating a clear chance, but they did succeed in silencing the home support.

Jeers rang out at half‑time from the Mexico fans.

The hosts started the second period with far more intent, and five minutes in they went ahead when Kim came for a high ball and clattered it into his own net, spilling it straight to Romo.

He just needed to poke the ball first time into an unguarded net, triggering pandemonium.

Hong surprisingly hauled off the veteran talisman Son before the hour and threw on Hwang Hee‑chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

But the Koreans were mostly toothless going forward until the final few minutes, when Guadalajara native Rangel came to Mexico’s rescue.

They will face the Czech Republic in their final group game.

South Africa and the Czechs drew 1‑1 earlier in the day.