Mexico moved to the top of Group A in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-0 win over South Korea at Estadio Guadalajara on June 18.
Luis Romo scored the decisive goal in the 50th minute following a miscommunication between South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and defender Lee Gi-hyuk.
The goal broke the deadlock in front of 45,000 spectators.
Mexico now has six points after also beating South Africa 2-0 in their opening match.
South Korea remains on three points after their previous 2-1 win over Czechia.
Match Highlights
Mexico controlled the early tempo through structured build-up play, testing Kim Seung-gyu with attempts from Roberto Alvarado, Bryan Gutierrez, and Julian Quinones.
South Korea responded with high pressing, creating an opportunity in the 16th minute when Son Heung-min received a through ball from Lee Kang-in, but the final shot was ruled offside.
Referee Gustavo Tejera maintained a permissive stance, declining to blow his whistle during multiple heavy challenges involving Lee Kang-in and Hwang Hee-chan.
This officiating style drew criticism as it appeared to favor the host country amid intense local crowd pressure.
South Korea substituted Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung in the 57th minute for Oh Hyeon-gyu and Hwang Hee-chan, later introducing wingers Um Ji-sung and Yang Hyun-jun.
Despite late aerial opportunities from Cho Gue-sung in the 85th and 87th minutes, Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel preserved the clean sheet with decisive interventions.
South Korea remains second in Group A after Czechia and South Africa drew 1-1.
The South Korean team will face South Africa on June 25 in Monterrey to contest qualification for the round of 32.
