World Cup 2026: Mexico reach World Cup knockout stage first after beating South Korea

Factual coreconfirmed by several independent voices

• Mexico becomes first country to reach knockout stage of World Cup, beating South Korea 1-0.

  reliability moderate2/2 sources

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• 18 Jun 2026 06:00AM (Updated: 18 Jun 2026 05:20PM) GUADALAJARA, Mexico: With three points secured after the win against the Czech Republic, South Korea will be high on confidence going into their top-of-the-group clash with Mexico on Thursday (Jun 18).

  according to Channel NewsAsia - Asia

• 18 Jun 2026 04:22PM SEOUL: Ryu Je-ha does not typically put on a national team jersey and cheer on his countrymen – but South Korea's winning start to the FIFA World Cup has changed that. “I'm normally not interested enough to wear a jersey and cheer.

  according to Channel NewsAsia - Asia

• The city sponsored an all-day outdoor event at Seoul International Park, which began at 10 a.m. PT and ends at 10 p.m. PT.

  according to New York Post

• South Korea's Hwang In-beom celebrates scoring their first goal with Son Heung-min and Lee Gi-hyeok in the World Cup match against the Czech Republic, Jun 11, 2026. (Photo: Reuters/Amanda Perobelli) New: You can now listen to articles.

  according to Channel NewsAsia - Asia

• But with home advantage and a fervent crowd behind them, Javier Aguirre's side will prove a major test, experts told CNA before the Group A clash (showing at 9am on Jun 19, Singapore time).

  according to Channel NewsAsia - Asia

• A native of Guatemala, he got his start in journalism by writing for The Times’ Homicide Report in 2007.

  according to Los Angeles Times

• "The favourite has to be Mexico," said Mr Steve Han, a freelance football journalist who has been covering South Korean football since 2008.

  according to Channel NewsAsia - Asia

• The 2010 investigative series won the Pulitzer Prize for public service and other prestigious awards.

  according to Los Angeles Times

• There was the controversial and unpopular appointment of Hong in 2024, and despite being re-elected a year later, Korea Football Association (KFA) president Chung Mong-gyu announced last month that he would be stepping down after the World Cup.

  according to Channel NewsAsia - Asia

• A win by either team at Estadio Guadalajara will see them book their spot in the round of 32.

  according to Channel NewsAsia - Asia

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• Mexico becomes first country to reach knockout stage of World Cup, beating South Korea 1-0.

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