South Korea Fall 1-0 to Mexico, but Stay in Their Own Hands Ahead of June 24 Decider vs South Africa

Co-hosts Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 in their Group A Matchday 2 fixture at Estadio Akron in Zapopan/Guadalajara on June 18, 2026 local time (the morning of June 19 KST). The decisive goal came early in the second half (around the 50th minute) through Luis Romo, who finished into an open net after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu failed to hold the ball amid traffic in the box. The single strike took Mexico to two wins and six points, made them the first side at the 2026 World Cup to clinch a knockout-round place, and left South Korea to settle their own qualification in one final game.

The first half ended goalless. In the 16th minute Son Heung-min struck the post for South Korea, but the moment was flagged offside and the goal did not stand. After Romo put Mexico ahead in the second half, coach Hong Myung-bo made a double change around the 57th minute, withdrawing Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung for Oh Hyun-gyu and Hwang Hee-chan as Korea chased the game. Korea created openings, including a Lee Kang-in shot, but could not find an equalizer. Late on, around the 87th minute, Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel made a crucial double save to deny Korea and preserve the clean sheet. There were no red cards and no penalties; Lee Kang-in and Paik Seung-ho were booked for South Korea.

South Korea are not eliminated. Having beaten the Czech Republic 2-1 on Matchday 1, Korea are now 1W-1L on three points but remain 2nd in Group A — and qualification is in their own hands. Their final group game is against South Africa on June 24, 2026: a win lifts Korea to six points and guarantees at least 2nd place and a Round-of-32 berth. A draw (taking Korea to four points) would also likely be enough, since under the 48-team format the top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance, leaving Korea well placed to go through either as a runner-up or among the best thirds. That, however, is probable rather than certain — the clean, self-determined route is simply to beat South Africa.

Mexico, as co-hosts, continued a flawless start. They are 2-0-0 on six points and have yet to concede a goal (three scored), recording a second straight clean sheet after their 2-0 win over South Africa on Matchday 1, and they top Group A as the tournament's first qualified team. Javier Aguirre's side leaned on defensive solidity and a decisive late goalkeeping save to see out the result. After Matchday 2 the Group A standings read: 1. Mexico (6 pts, 2-0-0, +3, qualified); 2. South Korea (3 pts, 1-0-1); 3. Czech Republic (1 pt); 4. South Africa (1 pt). The final group games on June 24 are South Africa vs South Korea and Czech Republic vs Mexico.

All eyes now turn to June 24 and the meeting with South Africa. Check the live Group A standings, the new round-of-32 qualification-scenarios page (/scenarios), and the full schedule in your own time zone to see exactly what South Korea need to reach the Round of 32.