South Korea Loses 1-0 to Host Mexico, Fails to Secure Top Spot in Group

South Korea failed to secure the top spot in its group after losing to host nation Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The national team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Mexico in their second Group A match of the tournament's group stage at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, on Friday (June 19, KST).

After a scoreless first half, South Korea conceded the opening and decisive goal to Mexico's Luis Romo five minutes into the second half.

Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu collided with defender Lee Ki-hyuk while attempting to claim an aerial ball, dropping it and allowing Romo to convert it into a goal.


With one win and one loss, South Korea remains in second place in the group with three points. Even if they win their final group match against South Africa, they can no longer finish first.

Mexico, having secured two wins, has clinched the top spot in Group A, leaving South Korea to focus on securing second place as its best possible outcome.

If South Korea finishes the group stage in second place, they will face the runner-up of Group B (Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, or Switzerland) in the round of 32 in Los Angeles, USA, on June 29.

However, if they advance to the round of 32 as one of the third-placed teams, they will face a challenging matchup against the winner of Group E (which includes Germany) or Group G (which includes Belgium).

In another Group A match played earlier, the Czech Republic and South Africa played to a 1-1 draw, leaving both teams with one draw and one loss.

The Czech Republic sits in third place and South Africa in fourth due to goal difference.

South Korea's final group stage match against South Africa is scheduled for June 25.


(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.