Mexico have become the first nation to seal a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32, benefiting from a costly goalkeeping error by South Korea's Seung-Gyu Kim to claim a 1-0 victory in Guadalajara's Estadio Chivas on Friday.

It was a contest decided by the two goalkeepers — one who faltered, one who held firm. In the 50th minute, Kim spilled a Raul Jimenez header directly into the path of Luis Romo, who showed composure to lift the ball over the stranded shotstopper and into the unguarded net.

The opener proved to be all Mexico needed, though they were made to work for the three points in the closing stages. Raul Rangel answered the call with a superb double save to deny South Korea substitute Gue-Sung Cho in the 87th minute, preserving the clean sheet when it mattered most.

Mexico in control of Group A

The win — combined with their opening victory over South Africa — gives Javier Aguirre's side maximum points in Group A and puts them firmly on course to finish top. Topping the group carries a significant reward: Mexico would host their round of 32 match in Mexico City. Should both nations advance from their groups and win their first knockout tie, a meeting with England in the round of 16 becomes possible.

The match itself was far from a spectacle. South Korea managed just one shot on target across 90-plus minutes, with their most promising moment arriving early when Heung-Min Son attempted a lob — only for an acrobatic goal-line clearance from Alvarez to deny him in the 16th minute. Alvarado also created danger in the 20th minute with an inviting delivery into the box, but Kim redeemed himself momentarily by stopping a Quinones header.

Late pressure from South Korea yielded little. A near miss involving Hyun-Jun Yang and Hyun-Gyu Oh in the 77th minute came closest to an equaliser, while Vazquez produced a superbly timed block to deny Cho a second opportunity deep into stoppage time.

South Korea must beat South Africa

Despite the defeat, South Korea retain a path to the knockout rounds. They must beat South Africa in their next match to keep their progression smooth. Mexico, meanwhile, turn their attention to the Czech Republic as they seek a perfect group stage record.