Raúl Jiménez helps Mexico reach World Cup last 32 with 1-0 win over South Korea

Raúl Jiménez played 80 minutes as Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 to become the first nation to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages. The 35-year-old striker, who rejoined Wolverhampton Wanderers for the Championship season, featured in Mexico’s opening match on 11 June, scoring in a 2-0 win over South Africa. Jiménez completed his return to Molineux two days before Mexico’s first World Cup game, finalising a move from Fulham after three years in London. His involvement against South Korea ensured Mexico’s progression to the last 32 with a game to spare. West Ham United defender Edson Álvarez, on loan at Fenerbahçe in the 2025-26 season, captained Mexico and made a crucial clearance in the 16th minute. Álvarez’s overhead kick on his own goal-line denied former Tottenham forward Son Heung-min’s lobbed effort, though the assistant referee later raised the flag for an offside that wasn’t given at the time.

Mexico beats South Africa 2-0 in World Cup opener

Mexico’s best previous World Cup performances came in 1970 and 1986, when they reached the quarter-finals. Their current campaign marks their first knockout-stage qualification since 2018. The victory over South Korea means Mexico top Group A with one match remaining, setting up a potential Round of 16 clash against a second-placed team from another group.