Mexico first team to reach FIFA World Cup Round of 32
Mexico first team to reach FIFA World Cup Round of 32
Updated at: June 20, 2026 at 08:45 AM
In June 2026, Mexico achieved a historic milestone in the FIFA World Cup by becoming the first team to qualify for the newly introduced Round of 32.
This tournament, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, expanded to include 48 teams, necessitated a new knockout stage structure.
Mexico secured their spot on June 19, 2026, with a 1-0 victory over South Korea in their second Group A match.
The decisive goal came from Luis Romo in the 50th minute, while goalkeeper Raúl Rangel made crucial late-game saves to preserve the lead.
With this win, Mexico secured six points, guaranteeing the top spot in their group and ensuring they would play their next match in Mexico City.
This success is particularly significant under head coach Javier Aguirre, offering redemption following their early exit in 2022.
By setting the precedent for this new format, Mexico has written a unique chapter in World Cup history, thrilling their home fans and demonstrating their strength on the global stage.
