Mexico becomes first country to reach knockout stage of World Cup

Sports Mexico becomes first country to reach knockout stage of World Cup June 19, 20263:08 AM ET By  The Associated Press Mexico's Luis Romo (7), left, scores the opening goal during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Korea in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Thursday, June 18, 2026. Ricardo Mazalan/AP hide caption toggle caption Ricardo Mazalan/AP GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Mexico took advantage of a defensive blunder by South Korea to win 1-0 and become the first team to advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup on Thursday, sending fans onto the streets across the country to celebrate. Soccer Edition 'Coreano Hermano': Ahead of Mexico vs. South Korea, it's all love between the fans It marks a major triumph for a team that failed to get out of the group stage in 2022 and now has won twice on home soil in front of jubilant crowds. Mexico players celebrated at midfield and waved to the fans who cheered and sang from the packed stands at Estadio Akron. As soon as the final whistle blew, the mariachis began to sing at the Ángel of Independence in Mexico City while thousands of people walked in from all directions. Some streets in Guadalajara were filled with drivers honking horns and fans chanting and waving Mexican flags. Sponsor Message Luis Romo scored in the 50th minute after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu collided with defender Lee Gi-hyuk and dropped the ball inside the area. Romo easily found the open net after picking up the loose ball. The South Koreans nearly equalized in the 87th minute when Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel stopped a header from close range by Cho Gue-sung, then made an even better save of Yang Hyun-jun's attempt on the rebound, extending his right arm to keep the ball from crossing the line. "It was very quick, it was pure reaction," Rangel said. "I couldn't really tell you what I saw, because I remember the moment of impact with my teammate and me having the ball." Mexico clinches Group A Mexico won Grou...