Mexico Become First Team to Qualify for World Cup Knockouts After 1-0 Win Over South Korea

Mexico national football team became the first side to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage after a narrow 1-0 victory over South Korea national football team in Guadalajara, taking full advantage of a costly defensive error.

At the Estadio Akron , the decisive moment arrived in the 50th minute when South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung gyu collided with defender Lee Gi hyuk while dealing with a loose ball inside the area. The mistake allowed Mexico midfielder Luis Romo to react quickly and slot the ball into an empty net.

After taking the lead, Mexico maintained shape and discipline, while South Korea pushed forward in search of an equaliser. The match grew tense in the closing stages as chances emerged at both ends.

South Korea’s best opportunity came in the 87th minute , when Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel produced a stunning double save , first denying a close range header from Cho Gue sung and then reacting sharply to block Yang Hyun jun’s follow up effort on the line.

South Korea star Son Heung min had a quiet night and was substituted in the second half as his side struggled to break down a compact Mexico defence.

Javier Aguirre admitted his side were not at their fluent best but praised their ability to make the most of key moments.

With this result, Mexico topped Group A with six points from two matches , becoming the first team to officially book their place in the next round of the tournament.

South Korea , meanwhile, were left frustrated after failing to convert late pressure into goals, with a single defensive lapse ultimately deciding the outcome of a tightly contested encounter.