Mexico v South Korea

Romo’s opportunistic finish on the 50-minute mark was the only difference between Mexico and South Korea at Estadio Guadalajara, with the narrow 1-0 victory confirming El Tri’s place in the knockout stages as winners of Group A. A nervy affair that reached the interval goalless, the second half produced a similar pattern, with the two sides forced to go long in search of a way through the congested middle of the park. The lone strike came from Quinones’ cross, which was spilled unconvincingly eight yards from goal by Kim Seung-gyu, providing Romo with the opportunity to volley the ball over his shoulder and into an empty net. South Korea threatened late, especially from a pair of chances in quick succession from Cho and Yang, but the move ended with a couple of incredible reaction saves from the goalkeeper to preserve the clean sheet. Though they finished the match with a better xG total (0.69 to 0.48), Hong Myung-bo’s side were unable to find an equaliser and, as a result, their fate will be left to their final-day encounter with South Africa at Monterrey Stadium on June 24, while Mexico have already qualified and take on Czechia in their capital city on the same day. That concludes our commentary of the 2026 World Cup Group A fixture between Mexico and South Korea - we hope you’ve enjoyed it!

FULL-TIME: MEXICO 1-0 SOUTH KOREA

Eom launches a late throw into the penalty area, looking for a flick-on from Lee Han-beom or Cho, but it’s glanced away by Gallardo before Pineda puts in a more effective clearance.

Again looking to pepper Mexico’s 18-yard box from wide, Eom delivers another great cross - this time to the near post - where Cho’s close-range header is deflected behind by the tightly marking Vasquez.

WIDE! Incredibly, the first corner of the match for either side comes in the second minute of additional time and goes the way of South Korea, who send Lee Kang-in to take it. With the set-piece, the Paris-Saint Germain player delivers a curling cross to the far corner of the six-yard box, where a free Lee Han-beom meets it but can only prod it wide of the near post!

The fourth official indicates six minutes will be added to the end of the match for stoppages.