With six points, Mexico took the lead in Group A as Luis Romo corrected a mistake in the second half in Guadalajara.
Mexico did not need fireworks to make its point. It needed patience, pressure and one sharp reaction from Luis Romo. The hosts beat South Korea 1-0 at Guadalajara Stadium and secured their place in the Round of 32. As a result, Mexico now leads Group A with 6 points from 2 matches.
Mexico already knows it will continue in the tournament. South Korea, meanwhile, must still fight on the final day.
Mexico vs South Korea - Romo Turns One Error into History
The match never opened into a wild exchange. Instead, both teams fought for control in midfield. Mexico pressed early, while South Korea slowly grew into the game.
¡Una vez más desde Guadalajara! 🤩#CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/M9uJt9wUwI
— Copa Mundial FIFA 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_es) June 19, 2026
The first half had more tension than clear chances. Julián Quiñones came close with a header but Kim Seung-gyu held it well. Korea also pushed forward late in the half, yet Raúl Rangel stayed calm.
A Tight First Half in Guadalajara
The atmosphere carried the night. Mexican fans sang “Cielito Lindo” and “Sí se puede.” Korean supporters answered with their own rhythm.
🚨🇲🇽 MONTERREY SHOWED UP!
— World Cup 2026 (@WorldCupMedia_) June 19, 2026
More than 100,000 fans attended the FIFA Fan Festival to support Mexico against South Korea. 🤯🔥🏆 pic.twitter.com/kHrcdFj0PE
However, the football remained careful. Neither team wanted to lose shape. Mexico moved the ball wide but South Korea blocked the central lanes. By halftime, the score still sat at 0-0. The feeling around the stadium was clear. One mistake could decide everything.
Luis Romo Scores After Kim Seung-gyu’s Mistake
That mistake arrived in the 50th minute. Raúl Jiménez sent a ball toward goal. Kim Seung-gyu failed to control it cleanly and Romo reacted first.
🚨 WATCH: Pure scenes as Mexico scores against South Korea! 🇲🇽🤯
— World Cup 2026 (@WorldCupMedia_) June 19, 2026
This is what a World Cup night in Guadalajara looks like. 🔥🏆 pic.twitter.com/tTx30c5S3z
The midfielder did not overthink the chance. He touched the ball home from close range and gave Mexico the lead. Therefore, a tense match suddenly belonged to the hosts. The goal also changed the mood in Guadalajara. Mexico had control but South Korea still had time.
Rangel Protects Mexico’s Lead
South Korea pushed higher after the goal. Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in tried to find pockets of space. Still, Mexico defended with order.
🚨 WATCH: WHAT A SAVE BY RAÚL RANGEL! 🇲🇽🤯
— World Cup 2026 (@WorldCupMedia_) June 19, 2026
A world-class stop from Mexico's goalkeeper that may have won the game for El Tri against South Korea. 🧤🔥pic.twitter.com/uU3tlaUSgL
Raúl Rangel became important late in the match. In the 87th minute, he stopped Cho Gue-sung and protected the narrow lead. In addition, Mexico’s back line cleared the second balls well. Edson Álvarez also brought calm when Korea tried to force a late equalizer.
Group A Standings After Mexico’s Win
Mexico now has a perfect start after two group matches. South Korea remains second, but its place is not safe.
Czechia and South Africa drew 1-1 earlier so both teams still have hope. However, they need a strong final matchday.
| Team | Played | Points | Goal Difference | Situation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 2 | 6 | +3 | Qualified, Group A leader |
| South Korea | 2 | 3 | 0 | Still fighting to advance |
| Czechia | 2 | 1 | -1 | Needs final-day result |
| South Africa | 2 | 1 | -2 | Needs final-day result |
The top 2 teams from each group advance to the Round of 32. Moreover, the eight best third place teams also qualify.
What Comes Next for Mexico and South Korea
Mexico will close the group stage against Czechia on June 24 at Estadio Ciudad de México. The team can now play with less pressure. South Korea faces South Africa in Monterrey on the same day. That match will decide its path. A win would put Korea in a strong position.
🚨 WATCH: Mexico's players are still buzzing after securing all three points against South Korea. 🇲🇽🏆🔥pic.twitter.com/CV5RXmnPI9
— World Cup 2026 (@WorldCupMedia_) June 19, 2026
Mexico Can Plan, But Not Relax
Javier Aguirre’s team has six points and two clean sheets. That gives Mexico a strong base for the knockout stage. However, the attack still needs more flow. The goal came from a mistake, not a long spell of clear chances. That detail will matter against stronger opponents.
South Korea Still Has a Door Open
South Korea lost the match, but it did not leave the tournament. The team still owns three points and can qualify with the right result. A strong finish against South Africa could keep the Asian side alive. Yet the team must create more danger in the final third in the 2026 world cup.
🚨🇰🇷 RESPECT.
— World Cup 2026 (@WorldCupMedia_) June 19, 2026
South Korea's players make their way to the away end to applaud their supporters after a hard-fought 1-0 loss to Mexico. 👏❤️ pic.twitter.com/4yVqsxS7uA
Don't just watch the World Cup get ahead of it.
Lock in live, second by second odds shifts and sharp match intelligence for every single fixture on the schedule right here at BETSTAR77.
Ready to Win? Join BETSTAR77 Today!
Live sports, casino games & fast payouts 24/7
Welcome Package
Double your first deposit with premium matching bonus
Play responsible and stay safe BETSTAR77 enforces a strict 18+ policy underage registration, access or real money play is absolutely prohibited. Keep the gaming purely for entertainment by setting a hard budget before you play and never try to chase back a loss, know your limits and stay in control.
Follow Us !
Stay with BETSTAR77 News for Premier League coverage FA Cup highlights, Ecuadorian football news, transfer updates, and the top talking points from Europe’s biggest leagues.
