Mexico secured an early spot in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by beating South Korea 1-0 on June 19 in Guadalajara, Qatar News Agency has reported. Luis Romo scored in the 50th minute following an error by the opponents’ goalkeeper and defender, taking Mexico to six points at the top of Group A and guaranteeing qualification. The result leaves South Korea on three points with the Czech Republic and South Africa each on one after their draw.
The QNA report indicated that the goal proved sufficient to claim all three points for Mexico as the first team to advance from the group stages. Romo took advantage of the mistake by Kim Seung-gyu and Kim Min-jae to net the winner shortly after the interval. This result not only tops the group but also allows the Mexican squad to approach their final group match with reduced pressure. The tournament being hosted across North America has seen strong support for the home teams in early fixtures.
FIFA’s website details that the 2026 World Cup is the first 48-team edition, with the group stage consisting of 12 groups and the subsequent round of 32 beginning in late June. According to the governing body’s data, this expansion from the traditional 32 teams aims to make the tournament more inclusive and globally representative. The co-hosting by Canada, Mexico and the United States involves venues in 16 cities and significant infrastructure preparations for the event running until July 19.
Sky Sports coverage of Group A showed Mexico as favorites prior to the tournament, a status they have lived up to with back-to-back wins. The guide noted the competitive nature of the group with South Korea, Czech Republic and South Africa all capable of causing upsets. However, Mexico’s clinical performance against South Korea has set a benchmark in the pool. The points table now shows a clear leader with two matches completed for all teams while the other results keep the qualification race alive for second place and potential best third-placed spots.
In its dispatch, QNA emphasized the importance of the home advantage for Mexico in Guadalajara where the crowd played a role in motivating the team to secure the vital win. The match saw controlled possession from both sides but it was Mexico that found the breakthrough at the right time. South Korea will need to bounce back strongly in their remaining fixture to maintain their qualification hopes in what remains an open group for the other places. The draw between Czech Republic and South Africa has kept those two nations in contention but requiring results from their last games to progress.
The FIFA schedule for the knockout phase lists the round of 32 matches starting on June 28 across various North American venues, setting the stage for Mexico’s next opponent once the group standings are finalized. This early qualification is a boost for the Mexican federation as it prepares for the more demanding knockout format. Additional context from the organizing committee highlights the record number of participating nations contributing to heightened excitement around the competition. The co-hosts have distributed the fixtures to maximize attendance and global viewership throughout the tournament.
