South Korea howler gifts Mexico victory as World Cup co-hosts reach knockout phase

Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup after defeating South Korea 1-0. The only goal came in the 50th minute when South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu collided with defender Lee Ki-hyuk and spilled the ball, allowing Luis Romo to score his fifth international goal in his 64th appearance. Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel preserved the clean sheet late on with a remarkable double save to deny Cho Gue-sung and Yang Hyun-jun.