Mexico became the first nation to secure a spot in the World Cup round of 32 and they can thank a Seung-Gyu Kim goalkeeping error as South Korea were beaten 1-0 in Guadalajara.
In a far-from-thrilling Group A encounter, the two goalkeepers decided the game with two contrasting experiences. Kim dropped a Raul Jimenez header into the path of Luis Romo, who lifted the ball over the red-faced shotstopper.
Late on, down the other end, as South Korea chased, Raul Rangel’s double save to deny second-half substitute, Gue-Sung Cho with a double save, wrapped up the three points for Mexico.
With maximum points after their opening win over South Africa, Mexico are now in control of Group A and are well-placed to secure top spot. First would ensure they will play their round of 32 match in Mexico City. Javier Aguirre’s side could meet England in the round of 16 should both nations win their group and progress past their first knockout game.
South Korea, who generated just one shot on target either side of half time, can still qualify for the knockout stages but must beat South Africa to ensure smooth progression. Up next for Mexico is the Czech Republic.
The key moments from Mexico City…
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16: BRILLIANT GOAL-LINE CLEARANCE! Alvarez acrobatically hooked away Heung-Min Son’s attempt at a lob.
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20: SAVE! Alvarado curls in a sumptuous ball into the area. It finds Quinones, who manages to beat his marker to head towards goal but Kim makes the stop.
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50: GOAL! Seung-Gyu Kim drops a Jimenez header and gifts Romo and Mexico a goal.
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77: CLOSE! Hyun-Jun Yang and Hyun-Gyu Oh very nearly combine superbly for an equaliser but there’s too much on the former’s ball into the area.
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87: HUGE CHANCE!! Rangel denies Gue-Sung Cho with a pair of vital double saves late on.
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90+4: Vazquez gets across to deny Gue-Sung Cho an attempt at Rangel’s goal. It’s superbly timed defending. South Korea are pushing, but is it too little too late?
Will more nations take up South Korea’s approach?
Sky Sports’ William Bitibiri:
According to South Korea boss, Hong Myung-bo, outside of the goalkeeping error, everything went to plan. But how worrying is that and does it point to the approach some nations will be taking to the second round of fixtures?
South Korea generated two shots on target. Those came in the 87th minute, a damning yet interesting reflection of Korea’s approach.
It goes without saying what three points meant on the day. Take a look at Mexico, who are on course to secure top spot and further establish themselves as a nation going beyond one that simply makes up the numbers.
However, South Korea played for a draw. Their opening win against the Czech Republic was front-foot, dynamic and ferocious at times.
On this occasion, South Korea’s display was soft, tired and timid. But was that design? The game was being played at high altitude, 1600 feet above ground, which means any intensity will feel like a workout.
After picking up a win in their opener as well as a draw between South Africa and the Czech Republic, meant that a draw in these conditions wasn’t the worst idea if they are playing the long game. It backfired for South Korea, but it might not be the last measured approach sides take to round two of the group stage with an eye on the knockouts.
What the result means…
In pictures: The clearance, the howler, the saves and the scenes
Edson Alvarez made a superb goal-line clearance to keep out Heung-Min Son
Kim’s error gifted Luis Romo the only goal of the game
Romo lifted the ball over a scrabling Kim
Raul Rangel’s double save late on helped ensure all three points for Mexico
Mexican supporters react after their team won during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Korea in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
Aguirre reacts to difficult South Korea test
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre:
“It was difficult. We know them very well. They put us under a lot of pressure. They didn’t give us any space, and neither did we. In the end, it felt like one mistake was always going to make the difference one way or the other.
“It wasn’t a great match, and the opposition didn’t allow us to do much”.
Hong Myung-bo: We will give everything in final group game
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo:
“We played just as we planned. The way we conceded was disappointing. We will give everything in the last game of the group stage.”
“I asked the players to remain calm and play our game. It wasn’t bad. We kept our composure throughout the game. We will focus on preparing for the next game now.”
