By Macdella Eyong Bessong
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
Mexico became the first nation to qualify for the knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, June 18, clinching a Round of 32 ticket with a 1-0 victory over South Korea.
The only goal came 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Luis Romo broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, taking advantage of a defensive blunder, to strike which proved enough to beat a stubborn South Korea side. Thereafter, their defense and game management saw them through to secure all 3 points.
Mexico tops Group A with a perfect 6 points and that alone guarantees qualification. South Korea stays second with three points. while Czech Republic and South Africa each have one point after Teboho Mokoena’s late equalizer for Bafana Bafana.
Before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Mexico held one of the longest consecutive streaks for advancing past the group stage in tournament history. They have successfully made it to the knockout rounds in over 15 of their World Cup tournament appearances.
This edition of the FIFA World Cup has giving way for records to matched, made and Broken and so Mexico becomes the first host nation since Qatar 2022 to reach the knockout stage, and they’ve done it with a game left. Massive boost for the tournament atmosphere in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
This win keeps Group A open and has rekindled South Africa’s hopes of cross passing the group stage.
South Korea against South Africa and Mexico vs Czechia on the final matchday will decide 2nd place and seeding. South Korea have 3 points in hand, but Bafana Bafana showed against Czechia that they can’t be written off. The winner of this game likely goes through.
Mexico have handled the “hosts pressure” perfectly so far, recording two wins and two clean sheets. And at this point, a deep run in the tournament is possible.
As co-hosts, they’ve delivered under pressure and set the tone for the expanded 48-team tournament.
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