Mexico advanced to the second group stage round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara.
Luis Romo’s goal in the 50th minute puts the Mexicans at the top of Group A, becoming the first team to go through.
The scoring midfielder faced an empty net when the goalie, Kim Seung-gyu, spilt the ball in a clash with teammate Lee Gi-hyuk. 
They were on track for a second goal in 75 minutes when Raul Jimenez approached at a vital angle, only to be saved.
Backed by a boisterous home support who had booed their team at half-time following a toothless first half, Mexico almost added a second in the 75th minute.
Despite the defeat, South Korea are well positioned to also advance, crucially, with their opening match win against the Czech Republic.
In the 87th minute of the match, Raul Rangel stopped Cho Gue-sung’s close-range header.
South Korea’s captain Son Heung-min had chipped Rangel before his effort was cleared off the line by Edson Alvarez, although the former Tottenham forward was flagged offside.
South Korea next faces South Africa on Thursday (02:00 BST) in Monterrey.
