Roared on by another packed and thunderous crowd — and aided by a costly mistake from South Korea’s goalkeeper — Mexico battled through a chaotic, high-energy contest to finish top of Group A at this World Cup.
That outcome also raises the tantalising prospect of a last-16 meeting with England in the lung-busting altitude of Mexico City.
If such a clash delivers even half the drama of this one, those unaccustomed to the conditions may be left struggling for breath from both the thin air and the sheer intensity of the occasion.
This relentless, thrilling encounter was ultimately decided by a painful error from Kim Seung Gyu, one that may linger with him for years. Early in the second half, in the 50th minute, a looping cross slipped through his grasp and fell kindly for Luis Romero, who gratefully converted. After all of South Korea’s immense effort, that moment proved impossible to overcome. Even a late surge fuelled by urgency and defiance was not enough to break through a Mexico side defending with fierce resolve and a sense of national purpose.
Mexico celebrated loudly. South Korea, though beaten, are not finished yet — and on the evidence of this display, it would be harsh to see them depart soon. They poured everything into the match, only to come away empty-handed amid controversy that could have unsettled any team. Even so, Mexico’s path to victory was far from serene.
Mexico became the first team to seal their spot in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup
There had already been activity on the hillside overlooking the Guadalajara stadium before Mexico entered what they hoped would be a decisive second match in the opening phase of FIFA’s long World Cup campaign.
They were searching for bodies who were among the 134,000 souls who have disappeared from the face of Mexico in the last 18 months.
As for their opponents there is television, newspaper and radio silence between the South Korean team and their country’s media. An angry stand-off because reporters were caught on a hot-mic mocking and insulting their superstar Son Hueng Min.
World Cups are never just about the football.
Mexico City, where this tournament kicked off a week ago, is torn between demonstrations against the embattled government and colourful street parties on match night. Especially nights as captivating as this. Another blessing is that the homicide rate falls during World Cups as the passion for football temporarily surpasses the murderous power of the cartels.
Meanwhile the Koreans have been subjected also to espionage of a manner far beyond Southampton’s pathetic sending of a kid with a camera to spy on opponents at practice from behind a tree.
A military scale drone was brought down by the army as it began to encircle their training ground during a closed session on tactics.
Since the intervention was wrought by the Mexican forces there is no suggestion from the Koreans that the host nation were involved
Although they would be less than human if they were not quietly hoping that Son Hueng Min would be distracted by false accusation of draft dodging and snide remarks that at his age, 33, he now ‘runs like an old general.’
El Tri fans celebrate their 1-0 win over South Korea in Guadalajara on Thursday night
Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel (right) made a series of stunning saves to preserve the lead
Tottenham fans and Premier League observers will doubt that having watched him rifle in the goals right up until he left Spurs last autumn for Los Angeles FC. That move he explains: ‘I came to America to familiarise myself to the conditions and atmosphere in which this World Cup will be played.’
As it happened he did not look quite himself in the pipe-opener against the Czech Republic. Missing a couple of clear chances. Even so they won 2-0.
With Mexico also victorious on day one of Mundial 2026, the winners would top the group. By doing so they would set up a possible last 16 Round with England. Maybe, given how Kane and Mac played in Dallas the other night, could it be more strategic to come second?
But it is always risky to play the options rather than the match. So both opted to go for it. Gung-ho to put it in Korean parlance. If they did harbour thoughts of retribution then of course theirvfirst target was Son.
Lee Jae Sung replicated the stamp by Lionel Messi which went unpunished In this case it drew a yellow card. For this he would be whistled to deaf for the rest of a night which was developing into a high-speed thriller in front of another packed and voluble crowd.
Our Son-y Boy’s 15th minute response came with an exquisite chip over the keeper. Only for West Ham’s Edson Alvaarez to clear with an acrobatic overhead kick from beneath the crossbar. At the other end a minute later Julian Quinones steered a free header weakly at the Korean keeper. But it was our hosts who had to ride out a storm as the first half ended.
Luis Romo scored in the 50th minute after a defensive error goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu
Mexico came back with revised strategy. Defend and counter. In less than five minutes it gave them the lead. Albeit with a lot of help from Poor Kim Seung Gyu as he came for an awkward cross. But not tricky as to excuse him dropping the ball. A grateful Luis Romo rolled it into the empty net.
There thrills galore thereafter but no more goals.
To sharpen the pain for Korea’s keeper his opposite number was the hero not only of the hour but the last minute of normal time
Raul Rangle somehow upwardly parried a shot at point blank range. As it came down he punched it into the air again then grasped the ball amid a flurry of flying boots,
He held onto it as fell and clutched it to the grass inches short of the line.
How lives and careers can be made or broken at World Cups.
How nations can be moved by a game of football.
Jesus Gallardo celebrates with the fans in the stands after the final whistle is blown
