Mexico secured a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first team to qualify for the knockout stage after defeating South Korea 1-0 on Friday in Group A action.

Luis Romo scored the decisive goal in the 50th minute at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, giving Mexico a second consecutive victory and ensuring both qualification and top spot in the group.

The win lifted Mexico to six points, three ahead of South Korea, while the Czech Republic and South Africa remain on one point each after drawing 1-1.

In the final round of group-stage matches on June 25, Mexico will face the Czech Republic, while South Korea takes on South Africa.