Mexico Become First Team to Reach World Cup Round of 32

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating South Korea 1-0 in their second Group A match. The game was played in Zapopan, Mexico.

The only goal of the match came early in the second half when midfielder Luis Romo found the net in the 50th minute.

Mexico entered the match without one of their key defenders, Cesar Montes of Russia’s Lokomotiv Moscow, who was serving a suspension following a red card received in the team's opening match of the tournament.

With the victory, Mexico collected six points from two matches and secured qualification for the Round of 32. The result also guaranteed the tournament hosts first place in Group A.

Mexico had previously defeated South Africa 2-0 in their opening fixture. The current Group A standings are: Mexico (6 points), South Korea (3), Czech Republic (1), and South Africa (1).

The final round of group-stage matches will be played on 25 June. Mexico will face the Czech Republic, while South Korea will meet South Africa in a decisive match for a place in the knockout rounds.