World Cup 2026: South Korea Fall To Mexico For First Loss In Group A

ZAPOPAN (Mexico), June 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korea fell to co-host Mexico 1-0 on Thursday for their first loss in Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, unable to clinch a knockout berth early, according to Yonhap news agency.

Luis Romo scored the lone goal for El Tri in the 50th minute before a delighted home crowd at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, western Mexico.

South Korea, after beating Czechia 2-1 to begin the competition last week, remained at three points and now sit in second place behind Mexico, who improved to six points to win Group A with one match to spare.

Czechia and South Africa, who played to a 1-1 draw earlier Thursday, are each at one point, with Czechia occupying third place thanks to their superior goal difference.

South Korea will close out the group stage against South Africa next Wednesday in Monterrey, northeastern Mexico, while Mexico will do so against Czechia on the same day in Mexico City.

With the tournament having expanded to 48 nations, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups will progress to the round of 32, joined by the eight best third-place teams.

South Korea will qualify for the knockouts and finish second in Group A with a victory or a draw against South Africa.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP