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SPO:Mexico become first team to reach knockout stage

Mexico have taken 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 2026 World Cup.

It marks a major triumph for a team that failed to get out of the group stage four years ago and now have won twice on home soil in front of jubilant crowds.

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 almost equalised 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 on the rebound, extending his right arm to keep the ball from crossing the line.

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