World Cup 26: Korea falls to Mexico after second-half error

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by Kim Yeon-jae Posted : June 19, 2026, 12:05Updated : June 19, 2026, 12:05

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Mexicos Luis Romo scores the opening goal against South Korea during their second Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan Mexico on June 18 2026 Yonhap — Mexico's Luis Romo scores the opening goal against South Korea during their second Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, on June 18, 2026. Yonhap.

SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - South Korea lost 1-0 to Mexico in their second Group A match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday morning in Korea, leaving their knockout-stage fate to the final group match against South Africa.

Mexico scored the only goal early in the second half, when Luis Romo reacted first after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu failed to hold the ball inside the box.

South Korea must beat South Africa in their final group match to guarantee a top-two finish in Group A, while a draw would leave them depending on tiebreakers or the third-placed team ranking.