Mexicans have managed to book their place in the second round after missing out in the last edition in Qatar when they failed to get out of the group stages.
Mexico have now notched up their second-successive win on home soil in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Luis Romo scored the only goal in the contest in the 50th minute after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu collided with defender Lee Gi-hyuk and dropped the ball inside the penalty area.
The South Koreans nearly managed an equaliser in the 87th minute when Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel managed to clear a header from close range by Cho Gue-sung.
Rangel then went even better with a save of Yang Hyun-jun’s attempt on the rebound, extending his right arm to keep the ball out of the goal post.
It wasn’t a great match, but I think that our opponent didn’t let us do too much.
But we still were able to score, on that mistake, in addition to another two or three opportunities,” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said.
Aguirre was pleased that the home side have managed guarantee a place in the second round early.
They are euphoric, they are very happy,” the Mexican coach added.
Mexico have topped Group A with six points in two matches, three more than South Korea and five more than the Czech Republic and South Africa, who drew 1-1 earlier on Thursday in Atlanta.
The top two teams from each group move on to the Round of 32 stages – which are knockouts – along with the best eight third-place teams.
A round of 32 is being played for the first time at the FIFA World Cup after the tournament was expanded to 48 teams.
