EL PASO, Texas (KFOX 14, CBS 4) — Mexican fans across the world, including in El Paso, are dancing the night away as El Tri hangs on to defeat South Korea 1-0 in their second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. \
With this victory, Mexico is now on six points and claims top spot in Group A. Mexico also becomes the first team to clinch a berth in the knockout stages. South Korea remains in second place on three points, ahead of South Africa and Czechia.
The best chance of the first half came to Korean captain Son Heung-Min. Son lobbed Mexican goalkeeper Raul Rangel, but Edson Alvarez cleared it off the line with a bicycle kick. The first half ended scoreless. In the 50th minute, Julian Quinones sent a cross into the box and it was deflected up in the air. Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu came to claim it, but he dropped the ball. It fell to Luis Romo, who poked it into the net to give Mexico a 1-0 lead. The Mexicans were hanging on during the final minutes of the match. In the 87th minute, Cho Gue-Sung headed the ball towards goal at the back post, but Rangel came up with a huge double save.
Mexico fans at Cerveceria 19 in West El Paso began to cheer and dance after the final whistle.
Mexico has locked in the top spot in Group A. In the Round of 32 they will face the third place team from Groups C, E, F, H or I.
On Wednesday, Mexico will wrap up group play against Czechia and South Korea will take on South Africa.