Mexico is the first team to advance to the round of 32 in the 2026 World Cup

By Peter Effiom

After defeating South Korea 1-0, Mexico has officially become the first nation to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage.  After winning its first two Group A games, Mexico became the first side to guarantee a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage. Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 and South Africa 2-0.

With one game remaining, the victory guaranteed El Tri’s passage to the Round of 32. The match took place on Thursday night at a crowded Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.

Luis Romo, a Mexican midfielder, took advantage of a significant defensive error in the 50th minute. Romo quickly volleyed the loose ball into an entirely unguarded net after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu collided with defender Lee Gi-hyuk and fumbled a cross.

Raúl Rangel, the goalie from Mexico’s hometown, made a spectacular double save in the 87th minute to maintain the clean sheet and the win. He quickly rushed out to stop Yang Hyun-jun’s attempt at a rebound on the goal line after blocking a strong, close-range header from Cho Gue-sung.

Son Heung-min, the captain and top forward for South Korea, had a quiet evening and was replaced in the 57th minute. Edson Álvarez cleared his chipped shot over Rangel earlier in the game, but it was eventually declared offside. 

Head coach Javier Aguirre’s team is comfortably leading Group A after a 2-0 victory over South Africa.

With 6 points from two matches, Mexico is guaranteed to finish in at least the top positions that qualify from Group A, ensuring progression to the Round of 32.

Following a 1-1 draw between Czechia and South Africa, which prevented both countries from catching Mexico prior to the last round of group matches, Mexico’s qualifying was confirmed.

Despite having three points, South Korea is unable to stop Mexico from placing in the qualifying spots.

On June 24, Mexico will play a stress-free final group encounter against Czechia with the goal of winning Group A and keeping up its spotless record. Mexico has gained a significant home-field advantage by winning Group A.