Luis Romo fires Mexico into World Cup knockout stage

Co-hosts Mexico became one of the first nations to book a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara.

Luis Romo's second-half winner proved enough to hand Javier Aguirre's side a second consecutive victory, lifting them to six points and guaranteeing qualification for the Round of 32 from Group A.

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd at Estadio Akron, Mexico controlled large portions of the contest and showed the composure expected of one of the tournament hosts.

Romo delivers the decisive moment

After an evenly balanced opening period, Mexico finally found the breakthrough through midfielder Luis Romo. The experienced midfielder finished calmly after a well-worked attacking move, sending the home supporters into celebration and giving El Tri the advantage they never relinquished.

South Korea pushed for an equaliser during the closing stages but struggled to create enough clear-cut opportunities against an organised Mexican defence that comfortably protected its narrow lead.

The victory ensured Mexico became the first team from Group A to officially secure progression into the knockout stage.

South Africa rescue their World Cup hopes

Elsewhere in Group A, South Africa kept their qualification hopes alive after battling to a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic. The Europeans struck early through Michal Sadílek and looked set to claim all three points before a late VAR intervention changed the match.

A handball inside the penalty area handed South Africa a lifeline, and midfielder Teboho Mokoena calmly converted from the spot to earn Hugo Broos' side a valuable point.

The result leaves South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic still capable of finishing second behind Mexico.

Final Group A Qualification Scenarios

With Mexico already through, attention now turns to an intriguing final round of fixtures. South Africa will qualify automatically as runners-up if they defeat South Korea in Monterrey.

South Korea need only a draw to progress, while the Czech Republic must beat Mexico by a significant margin and hope South Korea lose if they are to reach the Round of 32.

The expanded 48-team format has made every point valuable, and Group A remains one of the tournament's most competitive pools heading into its decisive fixtures.

SportsLigue