Ananya Lohia , Mexico - Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after edging past South Korea 1-0 in their Group A clash at Estadio Akron. Luis Romo scored the decisive goal in the 50th minute, capitalising on a costly defensive mix-up between South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and defender Lee Gi-hyuk. The loose ball fell kindly to Romo, who calmly slotted it into an empty net.

South Korea pushed for an equaliser late in the game, but Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel produced two outstanding saves in the 87th minute to preserve his side's lead. He first denied Cho Gue-sung's header before reacting brilliantly to stop Yang Hyun-jun's rebound effort. The victory gives Mexico six points from two matches and guarantees their progression to the Round of 32. The hosts had opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa, while South Korea had defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their first match.

Mexico's qualification marks a significant turnaround after their group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Backed by passionate home support, the team has now won both of its matches and topped Group A.

Mexico will face the Czech Republic in their final group-stage match, while South Korea take on South Africa in a must-win encounter as they battle for a place in the knockout rounds.