CO-HOSTS Mexico became the first nation to secure a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging past South Korea, while Canada recorded their first-ever World Cup finals victory with a commanding 6-0 win over nine-man Qatar in a match overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.
Mexico continued their impressive start to the tournament with a narrow victory over South Korea in Guadalajara, extending their 100 per cent record and confirming their place in the last 32 as winners of Group A.
The decisive moment came five minutes into the second half when midfielder Luis Romo was perfectly positioned to tap into an empty net after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled the ball following a collision with teammate Lee Gi-hyuk.
The match had been largely uneventful before the breakthrough, with Mexico’s home supporters expressing their frustration by booing the team at half-time after a toothless first-half display.
South Korea came close to equalising late in the game when Cho Gue-sung directed a close-range header toward goal in the 87th minute, but Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel reacted brilliantly to make the save before denying Yang Hyun-jun on the rebound.
Earlier, South Korean captain Son Heung-min had chipped Rangel and thought he had put his side ahead, only for Edson Alvarez to clear the effort off the line. The goal would not have counted, however, as the former Tottenham Hotspur star was subsequently flagged offside.
Mexico nearly doubled their advantage in the 75th minute when Raul Jimenez forced a save from a tight angle, while substitute Obed Vargas also tested Kim with a powerful late effort that required a fine diving stop.
The victory confirmed that coach Javier Aguirre and his side will advance as Group A winners.
As a result, Mexico will remain in Mexico City for both their Round of 32 fixture and a potential Round of 16 tie, where they could face England should the side led by Thomas Tuchel top their group and win their opening knockout match.
Despite the defeat, South Korea remain in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages following their opening-day victory over the Czech Republic. They will face South Africa in Monterrey on June 25, while Mexico meet the Czech Republic in Mexico City at the same time.
In Vancouver, Canada produced a stunning performance to thrash Qatar 6-0 and move to the brink of qualification for the knockout rounds.
However, the emphatic victory was overshadowed by a serious-looking injury suffered by midfielder Ismael Kone, an incident that left Canada manager Jesse Marsch in tears on the touchline.
With Canada already leading 3-0 and enjoying a numerical advantage, Kone and Qatar midfielder Assim Omer Madibo challenged for the same ball, resulting in a lengthy stoppage.
Madibo was initially shown a yellow card, but following a Video Assistant Referee review, the punishment was upgraded to a red card.
As worried supporters watched on, the former Watford midfielder was eventually stretchered off the pitch while inhaling painkillers.
In a positive sign, Kone was able to sit upright and wave to the crowd as chants of his name echoed around the stadium.
While Canada now appear likely to reach the knockout rounds, the injury to one of their key midfielders could significantly affect their hopes of progressing beyond the Round of 32.
The injury unfortunately overshadowed what was otherwise a historic night for Canadian football.
Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a poacher’s finish, netting for the second consecutive game.
Thirteen minutes later, Jonathan David scored the first of three goals to put Canada firmly in control.
Qatar’s problems deepened in the 33rd minute when defender Homam El Amin was sent off for a professional foul on Tajon Buchanan.
David struck again in first-half stoppage time to make it 3-0 before the interval.
The second half was dominated by concern over Kone’s injury, although Canada continued to press forward.
When Nathan Saliba curled in a superb free-kick in the 63rd minute to make it 4-0, he celebrated by holding up Kone’s shirt, a gesture that was met with huge cheers from the crowd.
Canada added a fifth goal with 15 minutes remaining when Mohammad Al Mannai inadvertently sliced Jacob Shaffelburg’s effort into his own net.
David then completed a superb hat-trick in stoppage time, latching onto Buchanan’s attempt before driving the ball beyond goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada.
The six-goal victory lifted Canada to the top of Group B. They are level on points with Switzerland but boast a goal difference advantage of three, strengthening their chances of progressing deep into the tournament as the group stage enters its decisive phase.