Mexico has become the first team to qualify for the round of 32 at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.
The co-hosts of the 48-nation tournament secured a place in the next round following their 1-0 win over South Korea at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan on Friday.
???????? Mexico have qualified for the Round of 32!#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 19, 2026
Luis Romo capitalised on a costly defensive mix-up five minutes into the second half, after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu collided with defender Lee Gi-hyuk and spilled the ball inside the penalty area. The Mexican midfielder reacted quickly to the loose ball and calmly slotted it into an unguarded net to break the deadlock. South Korea never found the equalizer as El Tri won their second successive game.
Earlier, Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener.
Group A standings
| Pos | Team | MP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | (Q) Mexico | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | +3 | 6 |
| 2 | South Korea | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Czechia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
| 4 | South Africa | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -2 | 1 |
Q: Qualified for the next round.
With six points from two matches, Mexico are guaranteed the top spot in the group irrespective of the result of their final group game. They will meet a third-placed team in the next round in Mexico City.
Top-two teams from each group along with eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups will qualify for the round of 32.
Next up for El Tri is Czechia back at the Azteca while South Korea will play South Africa on Thursday.
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