Mexico qualify for knockout round

Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to qualify for the next round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after picking up their second win in a row when they edged South Korea 1-0 on Thursday night.

Mexico sit atop Group A with an unassailable six points, ahead of South Korea, second on three points, with Czech Republic and South Africa third and fourth, both on one point.

Mexico’s two wins mean regardless of the results on the final day of group stage action, they will finish atop the group and in an automatic qualifying spot.

For South Korea, a win in their final group game against South Africa will confirm their spot in the next round and are heavy favourites to do so.

Both Czech Republic and South Africa are still without a win in the tournament, and are unlikely to do so in their final games against Mexico and South Korea respectively.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com