Co-hosts Mexico has become the first nation to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup after a 1-0 win over South Korea in Guadalajara.
Mexico’s Luis Romo scored the lone goal in the 50th minute. South Korea’s best chance came in the 87th minute when Cho Gue-sung’s close-range header was saved by Raul Rangel and the Mexico keeper was able to keep out Yang Hyun-jun’s follow-up.
Captain Son Heung-min’s had chipped Rangel before his effort was cleared off the line by Edson Alvarez although the former Tottenham forward was flagged offside.
The result means Mexico maintains a 100% start at the World Cup and confirmed Javier Aguirre’s side will advance as Group A winners. This also means the co-hosts will remain in Mexico City for both their last-32 and potential last-16 tie.
Despite their defeat, South Korea remain in a good position to also advance thanks to their opening-day win over Czech Republic. The Koreans face South Africa next on Thursday in Monterrey while Mexico take on Czech Republic in their final group game at the same time.
Canada Thrash Qatar For First Ever World Cup Win
Meanwhile, Co-hosts Canada secured a first FIFA World Cup victory with a commanding 6-0 demolition of nine-man Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday, moving to the top of Group B.
Jonathan David starred with a hat-trick as the tournament co-hosts overwhelmed Qatar at BC Place Stadium in front of a jubilant home crowd. Cyle Larin opened the scoring before David struck twice either side of halftime, while Nathan Saliba added a fourth goal. Qatar defender Mohammad Manai then turned the ball into his own net before David completed his treble in stoppage time.
Qatar’s hopes of mounting a challenge were dealt a major blow when Homam El Amin was sent off in the first half. Their situation worsened after the break when Assim Madibo received a red card following a challenge that left Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone with a serious leg injury.
The victory ended Canada’s long wait for a World Cup win, having lost all six of their previous matches at the 1986 and 2022 tournaments.