In Mexico they celebrate El Tri's classification to the next round of the 2026 World Cup
El Tri took first place in Group A. Review the reactions of Mexican fans and personalities after the victory against South Korea
Mexico, one of the co-host countries, became the first team to qualify for the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup after narrowly beating South Korea in Guadalajara.
"Congratulations to our National Team. Your victory fills all of Mexico with pride," said the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, in a short message on social networks.
The message was accompanied by a photograph celebrating the Mexican victory, with her arms raised, alongside her husband. She also shared a video of her celebrating a goal, and dressed in the national team's shirt where you could read “President” instead of the player's name.
The Angel of Independence, in the capital, was the epicenter of massive celebrations by Mexican supporters.
This victory means that the co-hosts will play both their round of 32 match and the possible round of 16 match in Mexico City.
Despite their defeat, South Korea remains in good position to qualify thanks to their opening day victory against the Czech Republic. Next Thursday (02:00 BST) the South Koreans will face South Africa in Monterrey.
In turn, Mexico will play its last game of the group stage at the same time in Mexico City, facing the Czech Republic.
The match
Mexican midfielder Luis Romo was in the right place at the right time to push the ball into the empty goal after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu let the ball escape after colliding with teammate Lee Gi-hyuk in the 50th minute.
South Korea's best chance came in the 87th minute, when Raúl Rangel saved a point-blank header from Cho Gue-sung and the Mexican goalkeeper managed to repel Yang Hyun-jun's shot after the rebound.
Earlier, captain Son Heung-min had beaten Rangel with a shot over the goalkeeper, but Edson Álvarez cleared the ball over the goal line; However, the former Tottenham striker was flagged offside.
With the support of a noisy home crowd – who had booed their team at half-time after a lackluster first half – Mexico almost scored the second in the 75th minute, but Raúl Jiménez's shot from a tight angle was saved.
Substitute Obed Vargas also forced Kim into a great diving save in the closing stages with a powerful shot.
The result maintained Mexico's record of victories in the World Cup and confirmed that Javier Aguirre's team will qualify as first in Group A.