Mexico became the first nation to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup after defeating South Korea 1-0 in front of a jubilant home crowd on Thursday.
A second-half goal from Luis Romo proved enough to send the co-hosts through as Group A winners with one match still to play.
The decisive moment arrived five minutes after the restart when South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu misjudged a high ball and collided with his own defender. The loose ball fell kindly for Romo, who calmly tapped into an empty net to spark wild celebrations inside the packed stadium.
The victory moves Mexico into the last 32 and guarantees they will finish top of Group A. That means Javier Aguirre’s side will remain on home soil for the next round, where they are set to face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams in Mexico City.
South Korea remain second in the group on three points, while both the Czech Republic and South Africa are still in contention after drawing 1-1 earlier in the day.
With qualification at stake, both sides approached the contest knowing a victory would virtually guarantee progression.
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre made three changes from the team that defeated South Africa in their opening match, while South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo largely kept faith with the side that came from behind to beat the Czech Republic.
South Korea created the first real danger when captain Son Heung-min lifted the ball over goalkeeper Raúl Rangel after 15 minutes. However, Edson Álvarez produced an acrobatic clearance on the goal line to keep the scores level. Although an offside flag was eventually raised, replays suggested the decision was extremely tight.
Mexico’s best chance of the opening half came through Julián Quiñones, whose powerful header forced a sharp save from Kim.
The visitors controlled possession for long periods before halftime but struggled to turn that dominance into clear scoring opportunities. Their measured approach frustrated the home crowd, who voiced their displeasure as the teams headed into the break.
Mexico returned with greater urgency after halftime and were rewarded almost immediately through Romo’s opportunistic finish.
South Korea attempted to respond, with Hong making the surprise decision to replace Son before the hour mark and introducing Hwang Hee-chan in search of fresh attacking energy.
The change had little impact for much of the second half, but South Korea finally increased the pressure in the closing stages. Mexico were forced to rely on Rangel, who produced two outstanding saves in quick succession to preserve the lead and seal qualification.
Mexico now head into their final group match against the Czech Republic with top spot already secured, while South Korea will face South Africa in a decisive encounter that could determine who joins the hosts in the knockout rounds.
