Mexico turn out to be first nation to qualify for World Cup final 32

FIFA World Cup

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Mexico reached the quarter-finals after they hosted the World Cup in 1986 and 1970 [Getty Images]

Co-hosts Mexico turned the primary nation to qualify for the knockout phases of the 2026 World Cup with a slim win over South Korea in Guadalajara.

Mexico midfielder was in the suitable place on the proper time to faucet into an empty web after goalkeeper spilled the ball following a collision along with his team-mate Lee Gi-hyuk within the fiftieth minute.

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South Korea’s greatest probability got here within the 87th minute when ‘s close-range header was saved by and the Mexico keeper was in a position to maintain out Yang Hyun-jun’s follow-up.

Earlier, captain ‘s had chipped Rangel earlier than his effort was cleared off the road by though the previous ahead was flagged offside.

Backed by a boisterous dwelling help who had booed their crew at half-time following a toothless first half, Mexico nearly added a second within the seventy fifth minute however ‘s effort from a good angle was saved.

Substitute additionally pressured Kim right into a high quality diving save late on with a pushed strike.

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The end result continued Mexico’s 100% begin on the World Cup and confirmed Javier Aguirre’s aspect will advance as Group A winners.

Which means the co-hosts can be in Mexico Metropolis for each their last-32 and potential last-16 tie, the place they may face if Thomas Tuchel’s aspect win their group and first knockout match.

Regardless of their defeat, South Korea stay in a very good place to additionally advance because of their opening-day win over Czech Republic.

They face subsequent on Thursday (02:00 BST) in Monterrey. Mexico tackle Czech Republic of their ultimate group sport on the identical time Mexico Metropolis.

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