Mexico Seal Knockout Qualification With Slim Victory – Softfootball

Mexico turned the primary group to safe qualification for the knockout phases of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara, Softfootball reviews.

The co-hosts claimed victory by way of Luis Romo’s second-half objective after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu failed to carry onto the ball following a collision with teammate Lee Gi-hyuk. Romo reacted quickest to faucet into an empty web within the fiftieth minute.

South Korea struggled to create clear probabilities however got here shut late within the match when Cho Gue-sung’s close-range header was brilliantly saved by Raul Rangel, who additionally denied Yang Hyun-jun from the rebound.

Captain Son Heung-min had earlier gone shut for South Korea, chipping Rangel earlier than Edson Álvarez cleared the hassle off the road, though the ahead was later dominated offside.

Mexico improved after a disappointing first half, the place the house supporters voiced their frustration, and practically doubled their lead when Raul Jiménez’s effort from a decent angle was saved. Substitute Obed Vargas additionally compelled Kim into a powerful diving cease with a strong strike.

The victory maintains Mexico’s excellent begin to the event and confirms Javier Aguirre’s facet as Group A winners. They’ll stay in Mexico Metropolis for his or her knockout matches and will face England if Thomas Tuchel’s group high their group and win their first knockout fixture.

Regardless of the defeat, South Korea stay in rivalry for development after their opening victory over Czech Republic. They’ll subsequent face South Africa as they appear to safe their place within the subsequent spherical.

Participant Rankings

Mexico

South Korea

Match Statistics