Mexico repay 2018 favor by keeping Korea's World Cup hopes alive

After eight years, Mexico have repaid Korea for the 2018 World Cup, defeating the Czech Republic 3-0 and keeping Korea's hopes of reaching the round of 32 this year alive.

Korea lost 1-0 to South Africa in their final Group A match in Monterrey, Mexico, on Wednesday. With one win and two losses, the country ceded second place in the group to South Africa, which finished with a win, a draw and a loss.

This left Korea unable to move to the knockout stage on their own, but the expanded 48-team structure means that the eight best teams among the 12 third-place finishers can also advance to the round of 32.

Had the Czech Republic beaten Mexico, Korea would have finished last in Group A and been eliminated. Instead, Mexico, already assured of first place, rested several starters but poured in goals in the second half to win 3-0, lifting Korea to third and pushing the Czech Republic to fourth — and out of the tournament.

At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Korea was drawn into Group F alongside Sweden, Mexico and Germany. Korea lost to Sweden and Mexico and faced elimination, only to defeat defending champion Germany 2-0 in their final match.

To reach the round of 16, Korea needed to beat Germany and have Mexico beat Sweden. Mexico lost 3-0 to Sweden instead, effectively ending Korea's bid.

However, Korea completely blindsided the world by beating Germany, and their victory lifted Mexico, which had been on the brink of elimination, into the round of 16. Had Korea not beaten Germany, Mexico would have gone home as well.

Mexican fans expressed their gratitude online and in person, calling Koreans "our brothers."

Eight years later, Mexican supporters again rallied behind Korea as they faced South Africa, chanting "Corea" in Korea's matches, except the one against Mexico. At the South Africa game, Mexican fans broke into applause when word spread that Mexico had scored against the Czech Republic.

The tournament decides the best third-place teams by points, then goal difference, then goals scored. Korea finished with three points and a minus-1 goal difference, leaving it to wait for the other groups' results.

If Korea advance as a third-place team to the knockout stage, they will meet either Germany, which clinched first place in Group E, or the winner of Group G.

Stuck at work or school when Korea kick off? We've got you covered. The Korea JoongAng Daily is live-blogging every Korea match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, around the clock. Don't miss a moment.

KIM HYO-KYOUNG [[email protected]]