Kim Seung-gyu fumbles the ball whereas Korea confronted off towards Mexico at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Guadalajara, on June 19, 2026 (Korea time), within the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Kim Younger-won/Hankyoreh)
South Korea suffered a shock defeat to Mexico, extending their winless streak in second group-stage matches on the World Cup (4 attracts and eight losses).
Beneath head coach Hong Myung-bo, Korea misplaced 0-1 to Mexico of their second Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday (Korea time) at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, on account of a defensive error.
Korea now sit second within the group behind Mexico (2 wins), with 1 win and 1 loss. A 1-1 draw between the Czech Republic (1 draw, 1 loss) and South Africa (1 draw, 1 loss) meant Korea stayed in second place.
Korea will face South Africa of their remaining group match on June 25 at 10 am (Korea time) and should a minimum of safe a draw to maintain hopes of advancing to the spherical of 32 alive.
After a secure defensive first half, the match opened up after the break, and the breakthrough objective in the end went to Mexico, backed by the house crowd.
Within the fiftieth minute of the second half, goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu got here off his line to cope with a excessive ball. After catching it mid-air, he collided with defender Lee Gi-hyuk on the way in which down, dropping management and permitting the ball to spill. Mexico’s Luis Romo reacted shortly and scored with a volley.
Hong then introduced on Hwang Hee-chan, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Eom Ji-sung, Yang Hyun-jun, and Cho Gue-sung looking for an equalizer.
Nevertheless, Mexico’s goalkeeper fended off Cho’s highly effective late header, and Korea in the end failed to interrupt by Mexico’s disciplined protection regardless of sustained strain.
Korea now path within the all-time head-to-head report towards Mexico with 4 wins, 3 attracts, and 9 losses, and have as soon as once more didn’t win their second group-stage match at a World Cup.
“The gamers executed effectively and in response to coaching,” Hong mentioned throughout a post-match interview. “It’s a disgrace to surrender a objective like that, however that’s a part of the sport. We’ll put together effectively and go all in for the ultimate sport.”
By Son Hyun-soo, employees reporter
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