Figure caption,

Keeper error helps Mexico beat South Korea to book last-32 spot

At a glance

  • Mexico become the first nation to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

  • Midfielder Luis Romo taps into an empty net after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spills the ball

  • Mexico could play England in last 16 if both teams win their group and last-32 match

  • South Korea underwhelm but still well-placed to progress

  • PLAYER RATER

ByJoe Rindl
BBC Sport journalist

Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup with a narrow win over South Korea in Guadalajara.

Mexico midfielder Luis Romo was in the right place at the right time to tap into an empty net after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled the ball following a collision with his team-mate Lee Gi-hyuk in the 50th minute.

South Korea's best chance came in the 87th minute when Cho Gue-sung's close-range header was saved by Raul Rangel and the Mexico keeper was able to keep out Yang Hyun-jun's follow-up.

Earlier, captain Son Heung-min had chipped Rangel before his effort was cleared off the line by Edson Alvarez, although the former Tottenham forward was flagged offside.

Backed by a boisterous home support who had booed their team at half-time following a toothless first half, Mexico almost added a second in the 75th minute but Raul Jimenez's effort from a tight angle was saved.

Substitute Obed Vargas also forced Kim into a fine diving save late on with a driven strike.

The result continued Mexico's 100% start at the World Cup and confirmed Javier Aguirre's side will advance as Group A winners.

That means the co-hosts will be in Mexico City for both their last-32 and potential last-16 tie, where they could face England if Thomas Tuchel's side win their group and first knockout match.

Despite their defeat, South Korea remain in a good position to also advance thanks to their opening-day win over Czech Republic.

They face South Africa next on Thursday (02:00 BST) in Monterrey. Mexico take on Czech Republic in their final group game at the same time Mexico City.

Player of the match

Number: 17 O. Pineda
Average rating 7.50
Number: 17 O. Pineda
Average Rating: 7.50
Number: 18 O. Vargas
Average Rating: 7.20
Number: 9 R. Jiménez
Average Rating: 7.17
Number: 15 I. Reyes
Average Rating: 7.14
Number: 4 E. Álvarez
Average Rating: 6.79
Number: 5 J. Vásquez
Average Rating: 6.69
Number: 23 J. Gallardo
Average Rating: 6.46
Number: 1 R. Rangel
Average Rating: 6.44
Number: 11 S. Giménez
Average Rating: 6.25
Number: 7 L. Romo
Average Rating: 6.13
Number: 21 C. Huerta
Average Rating: 6.13
Number: 2 J. Sánchez
Average Rating: 5.77
Number: 25 R. Alvarado
Average Rating: 5.57
Number: 6 É. Lira
Average Rating: 5.42
Number: 16 J. Quiñones
Average Rating: 5.42
Number: 26 B. Gutiérrez
Average Rating: 5.33

After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.

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