Postpublished at 03:03 BST 19 June
HT: Mexico 0-0 South Korea
My own little half-time break has included raspberries, a cup of tea and a bit of dark chocolate. Refreshed and ready to go.
Summary
BBC Radio 5 Live commentary also available via 'watch & listen' tab
Both teams knew win would guarantee qualification
Team guides, Groups and schedules; Best and worst players so far
Send us your views
Postpublished at 03:03 BST 19 June
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 03:01 BST 19 June
Click 'Get Involved' at the top of the page
I stayed up to all hours to watch this game. I'd have had more fun - and had more sleep - watching a bridge slowly rusting.
Sean, France
Postpublished at 02:57 BST 19 June
HT: Mexico 0-0 South Korea
If you’re only just tuning into our coverage tonight and wondering how uneventful the first half has been.
There has been so little action that our stats providers, Opta, have come up with this: the six offsides in this match (four by Korea Republic and two by Mexico) is the most in the first half of a World Cup game this year.
If that doesn't whet the appetite for the second half, I'm not sure what will.
'It's been really quite disappointing'published at 02:53 BST 19 June
HT: Mexico 0-0 South Korea
Martin Keown
Former England International on BBC TwoI think South Korea have controlled things without really creating anything.
It's whether they will change their philosophy after half-time. Okay we kept it quiet but now we're going to start going after our opponent.
It's been really quite disappointing.
HALF-TIMEpublished at 02:51 BST 19 June
Mexico 0-0 South Korea
The first half ends as it began - goalless - and the Mexico supporters make their feelings clear, booing their side off.
Look, it can only get better from here, guys.
Postpublished at 02:47 BST 19 June
Mexico 0-0 South Korea
Four added minutes at the end of the first half.
Postpublished at 45 mins
Mexico 0-0 South Korea
I reckon this is the most uneventful match I’ve seen since Liverpool’s 0–0 draw with Plymouth at 12:30 BST on a Sunday in the 2017 FA Cup third round.
I’d suggest you go and search for the highlights, but I’d be absolutely astounded if there are any.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 02:45 BST 19 June
Click 'Get Involved' at the top of the page
The excitement and play-style we saw from the previous matches is not present at all in this match. It's disappointing and it feels like neither team wants to engage.
Luke, Bedford
Postpublished at 44 mins
Mexico 0-0 South Korea
It has been all South Korea since play resumed after the hydration break.
Mexico will want the half-time whistle to blow as soon as possible, before South Korea take advantage of their dominant spell of possession.
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 42 mins
Mexico 0-0 South Korea
The ball breaks to Young-Woo Seol inside the area but he snatches at his effort and spoons it well wide.
Postpublished at 40 mins
Mexico 0-0 South Korea
The home crowd are getting a little restless at how uneventful this first-half has been.
Who can blame them, to be fair?
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 39 mins
Mexico 0-0 South Korea
Love that, Christian.
Though I reckon these hydration breaks have people reaching for something slightly stronger!
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 02:38 BST 19 June
Click 'Get Involved' at the top of the page
I hate to be controversial but I’ve started taking 500ml at every hydration break. I've never been this hydrated in my life (four litres a day). I can’t get enough of these pauses!
Christian, Wolverhampton
Postpublished at 35 mins
Mexico 0-0 South Korea
I expected a lot more from Mexico, to be honest. They looked electric going forward at times against South Africa - and inspired by their status as hosts.
It seems as though they are being shackled by that pressure tonight and unwilling to take risks when they work the ball into the South Korea's half.
Postpublished at 33 mins
Mexico 0-0 South Korea
Heung-min Son works an opening for a shot from an acute angle inside the area after some dazzling footwork.
His effort is saved at the near post by Raul Rangel, though the flag is raised for offside.
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 31 mins
Mexico 0-0 South Korea
Mexico have conceded only one shot in the first 25 minutes in last five World Cup matches - against Saudi Arabia in 2022. Impressive.
Postpublished at 29 mins
Mexico 0-0 South Korea
I hope you're right, Sulaimon. Because this has been a tough watch so far.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 02:29 BST 19 June
Click 'Get Involved' at the top of the page
This game has an exciting score draw written all over it. I am expecting end to end attacking football and an open game.
Sulaimon, Lagos in Nigeria
Postpublished at 27 mins
Mexico 0-0 South Korea
Let's see if either side can seize the innovative in this second quarter...
Postpublished at 02:27 BST 19 June
Mexico 0-0 South Korea
The longest three-minutes in the history of football comes to an end. Back underway.
Image source, Getty Images
Keeper error helps Mexico beat South Korea to book last-32 spot
At a glance
Mexico become the first nation to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages
Midfielder Luis Romo taps into an empty net after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spills the ball
Mexico could play England in last 16 if both teams win their group and last-32 match
South Korea underwhelm but still well-placed to progress
ByJoe Rindl
BBC Sport journalist
Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup with a narrow win over South Korea in Guadalajara.
Mexico midfielder Luis Romo was in the right place at the right time to tap into an empty net after goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled the ball following a collision with his team-mate Lee Gi-hyuk in the 50th minute.
South Korea's best chance came in the 87th minute when Cho Gue-sung's close-range header was saved by Raul Rangel and the Mexico keeper was able to keep out Yang Hyun-jun's follow-up.
Earlier, captain Son Heung-min had chipped Rangel before his effort was cleared off the line by Edson Alvarez, although the former Tottenham forward was flagged offside.
Backed by a boisterous home support who had booed their team at half-time following a toothless first half, Mexico almost added a second in the 75th minute but Raul Jimenez's effort from a tight angle was saved.
Substitute Obed Vargas also forced Kim into a fine diving save late on with a driven strike.
The result continued Mexico's 100% start at the World Cup and confirmed Javier Aguirre's side will advance as Group A winners.
That means the co-hosts will be in Mexico City for both their last-32 and potential last-16 tie, where they could face England if Thomas Tuchel's side win their group and first knockout match.
Despite their defeat, South Korea remain in a good position to also advance thanks to their opening-day win over Czech Republic.
They face South Africa next on Thursday (02:00 BST) in Monterrey. Mexico take on Czech Republic in their final group game at the same time Mexico City.
Player of the match
Number: 17 O. Pineda
Average rating 7.50
Number: 17 O. Pineda
Average Rating: 7.50Number: 18 O. Vargas
Average Rating: 7.20Number: 9 R. Jiménez
Average Rating: 7.17Number: 15 I. Reyes
Average Rating: 7.14Number: 4 E. Álvarez
Average Rating: 6.79Number: 5 J. Vásquez
Average Rating: 6.69Number: 23 J. Gallardo
Average Rating: 6.46Number: 1 R. Rangel
Average Rating: 6.44Number: 11 S. Giménez
Average Rating: 6.25Number: 7 L. Romo
Average Rating: 6.13Number: 21 C. Huerta
Average Rating: 6.13Number: 2 J. Sánchez
Average Rating: 5.77Number: 25 R. Alvarado
Average Rating: 5.57Number: 6 É. Lira
Average Rating: 5.42Number: 16 J. Quiñones
Average Rating: 5.42Number: 26 B. Gutiérrez
Average Rating: 5.33Number: 11 Hwang Hee-Chan
Average Rating: 6.55Number: 7 Son Heung-Min
Average Rating: 6.46Number: 9 Cho Gue-Sung
Average Rating: 6.25Number: 8 Paik Seung-Ho
Average Rating: 6.17Number: 1 Kim Seung-Gyu
Average Rating: 6.08Number: 10 Lee Jae-Sung
Average Rating: 6.00Number: 4 Kim Min-Jae
Average Rating: 5.91Number: 19 Lee Kang-In
Average Rating: 5.91Number: 25 Eom Ji-Sung
Average Rating: 5.88Number: 2 Lee Han-Beom
Average Rating: 5.80Number: 18 Oh Hyeon-Gyu
Average Rating: 5.70Number: 20 Yang Hyun-Jun
Average Rating: 5.67Number: 6 Hwang In-Beom
Average Rating: 5.30Number: 15 Kim Moon-Hwan
Average Rating: 5.30Number: 3 Lee Gi-Hyuk
Average Rating: 5.10Number: 22 Seol Young-Woo
Average Rating: 4.64After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
Related topics
FIFA World Cup Table
On Friday 19th June
Skip to table keyMatch Participants:
- Mexico, Position 1, Points 6
- South Korea, Position 2, Points 3
Group A
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 1 |
|
Group B
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 1 |
|
Group C
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
|
Group D
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
|
Group E
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
|
Group F
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
|
Group G
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
|
Group H
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
|
Group I
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 0 |
|
Group J
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
|
Group K
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
|
Group L
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 0 |
|
3rd Place Ranking
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
|
Key
- Position 1, 2 : 16th Finals
- Position 3 : Possible 16th Finals
Team Lineups
NEW
Select a player in the formation diagram to view detailed performance statsSelect a player to see detailed performance stats, like xG, shots on target and distance covered
home team, Mexico
Manager: Javier Aguirre
Formation: 4 - 3 - 3
Pitch Formation
Starting lineup
Substitutes
home team, Mexico
away team, South Korea
Manager: Hong Myung-Bo
Formation: 3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Pitch Formation
Starting lineup
away team, South Korea
home team, Mexico
Manager: Javier Aguirre
Formation: 4 - 3 - 3
Pitch Formation
Starting lineup
Substitutes
away team, South Korea
Manager: Hong Myung-Bo
Formation: 3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Pitch Formation
Starting lineup
Substitutes
Match Officials
- Referee:
- Gustavo Tejera
- Video Assistant Referee:
- Leodán González
- Assistant Referee 1:
- Carlos Barreiro
- Assistant Referee 2:
- Nicolás Tarán
- Fourth Official:
- Andrés José Rojas Noguera
- Assistant VAR Official:
- Antonio García
Match momentum
Mexico
South Korea
High chance of scoring
Medium chance of scoring
Low chance of scoring
Dominant period
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
| Minute | Team with most threat |
|---|---|
Kick off 1' | South Korea |
2' | South Korea |
3' | South Korea |
4' | South Korea |
5' | Mexico |
6' | Mexico |
7' | Mexico |
8' | Mexico |
9' | Mexico |
10' | Mexico |
11' | Mexico |
12' | Mexico |
13' | Mexico |
14' | Mexico |
15' | Mexico |
16' | South Korea |
17' | South Korea |
18' | South Korea |
19' | South Korea |
20' | Mexico |
21' | Mexico |
22' | Mexico |
23' | Mexico |
24' | Mexico |
25' | Mexico |
26' | Mexico |
27' | South Korea |
28' | South Korea |
29' | South Korea |
30' | South Korea |
31' | South Korea |
32' | South Korea |
33' | South Korea |
34' | South Korea |
35' | Mexico |
36' | South Korea |
37' | South Korea |
38' | South Korea |
39' | South Korea |
40' | South Korea |
41' | South Korea |
42' | South Korea |
43' | South Korea |
44' | South Korea |
45' | South Korea |
45'+1 | South Korea |
45'+2 | South Korea |
45'+3 | South Korea |
45'+4 | South Korea |
Half time 45'+5 | South Korea |
46' | Mexico |
47' | Mexico |
48' | South Korea |
49' | Mexico |
50' | MexicoGoal |
51' | Mexico |
52' | Mexico |
53' | Mexico |
54' | Mexico |
55' | South Korea |
56' | South Korea |
57' | South Korea |
58' | South Korea |
59' | South Korea |
60' | South Korea |
61' | South Korea |
62' | South Korea |
63' | South Korea |
64' | South Korea |
65' | South Korea |
66' | South Korea |
67' | South Korea |
68' | South Korea |
69' | South Korea |
70' | South Korea |
71' | South Korea |
72' | South Korea |
73' | South Korea |
74' | South Korea |
75' | Mexico |
76' | South Korea |
77' | South Korea |
78' | South Korea |
79' | Mexico |
80' | Mexico |
81' | Mexico |
82' | South Korea |
83' | South Korea |
84' | South Korea |
85' | Mexico |
86' | Mexico |
87' | South Korea |
88' | South Korea |
89' | South Korea |
90' | South Korea |
90'+1 | South Korea |
90'+2 | South Korea |
90'+3 | South Korea |
90'+4 | South Korea |
90'+5 | South Korea |
90'+6 | South Korea |
Full time 90'+7 | South Korea |
Match Stats
Key, Mexico v South KoreaBasic Stats
Overall possession
Mexico 42.4%South Korea 57.6%
xG
Mexico 0.4793South Korea 0.6914Shots
Mexico 8South Korea 9Shots on target
Mexico 4South Korea 2Total touches inside the opposition box
Mexico 6South Korea 11Goalkeeper saves
Mexico 2South Korea 3Aerial duels won
Mexico 15South Korea 13Fouls committed
Mexico 9South Korea 7Corners
Mexico 1South Korea 2In-depth match stats
Attack
Shots
Mexico 8South Korea 9Shots on target
Mexico 4South Korea 2Shots off target
Mexico 3South Korea 4Attempts out of box
Mexico 3South Korea 3Total offsides
Mexico 3South Korea 6Expected
xG
Mexico 0.4793South Korea 0.6914xG from open play
Mexico 0.4793South Korea 0.5834xG from set play
Mexico 0South Korea 0.108xA
Mexico 0.326523South Korea 0.561059Distribution
Total passes
Mexico 427South Korea 578Pass accuracy %
Mexico 81.7South Korea 84.4Backward passes
Mexico 76South Korea 102Forward passes
Mexico 146South Korea 167Total long balls
Mexico 56South Korea 64Successful final third passes
Mexico 39South Korea 67Total crosses
Mexico 6South Korea 9Defence
Total tackles
Mexico 14South Korea 17Won tackle %
Mexico 50South Korea 58.8Fouls committed
Mexico 9South Korea 7Total yellow cards
Mexico 0South Korea 2Total clearances
Mexico 20South Korea 12Watch & listen
Season so far
FIFA World Cup
Key, Mexico v South Korea
League position, Mexico 1st, South Korea 3rdTotal points, Mexico 9, South Korea 3
Goals scored
Mexico 8South Korea 2Form guide
All competitions
Mexico won
v South Africa
2
0
FIFA World Cup
South Korea won
v Czech Republic
2
1
FIFA World Cup
Mexico won
v Serbia
5
1
Friendlies
South Korea won
v El Salvador
1
0
Friendlies
Mexico won
v Australia
1
0
Friendlies
South Korea won
v Trinidad and Tobago
5
0
Friendlies
Mexico won
v Ghana
2
0
Friendlies
South Korea lose
v Austria
1
0
Friendlies
Mexico draw
v Belgium
1
1
Friendlies
South Korea lose
v Ivory Coast
0
4
Friendlies
Previous meetings
All competitions
Mexico and South KoreaMexico Won 4South Korea Won 3
Played 10
Draw 3
Previous scores
All competitions
Friendlies
Mexico 2 , South Korea 2 on the 10th of September 2025
Mexico
South Korea
10th of September 2025
Mexico 3 , South Korea 2 on the 14th of November 2020
Mexico
South Korea
14th of November 2020
FIFA World Cup
South Korea 1 , Mexico 2 on the 23rd of June 2018
South Korea
Mexico
23rd of June 2018