Taeguk Warriors down but far from out as matrix of final group match results bodes well for advancing

Despite losing 2-1 to Mexico in their second Group A match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the knockout round is still well within reach for Korea, with a final group showdown against South Africa still to play on Wednesday.

The loss at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, on Thursday comes a week after the Taeguk Warriors beat the Czech Republic at the same venue, leaving the side on three points after two matches.

Mexico top the group with six points, guaranteeing passage to the round of 32, while the Czech Republic and South Africa are both on a point apiece after drawing earlier on Thursday after both lost their openers.

While the loss on Thursday night makes the uphill battle for progression a bit steeper for the Warriors, the expanded format with this tournament offers an increased chance to make it to the knockout round, with the best two teams in each of the 12 groups going through along with the best eight third-placed teams from all groups.

If two sides in a group end on the same points, the order is decided based on head-to-head results, goal difference, the number of goals scored and then fair play points. The same criteria are used to determine the eight best third-place finishers.

Korea's chances of advancing to the round of 32 remain strong. A win against South Africa guarantees at least a second-place finish no matter what happens in the Mexico-Czech Republic match, while a Czech win would mean first place will be determined by goal difference and then head-to-head result between Korea and Mexico.

A draw against South Africa could secure second place in the group, even if the Czech Republic pull off an upset by beating Mexico, with second place decided by a tiebreaker.

Advancement is even possible should Korea lose to South Africa and the Czech side beat the co-hosts, in which case the European nation leapfrogs Korea to finish second in the group on four points to the Warriors' three.

A 1-0 loss to the Bafana Bafana would give Korea a minus-1 goal difference, which could be enough to earn a berth to the round of 32, contingent on how other third-placed sides finish.

The nightmare scenario entails Korea and Mexico losing their final group matches, in which case Mexico still coasts to top of the group on six points, while the Czech Republic and South Africa end on four each and Korea is sent packing with three.

While the bookies and pundits agree that such an outcome is unlikely, this is the World Cup, after all, and Korean manager Hong Myung-bo of all people can tell you that on the biggest stage in sports, anything is possible.

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BY KIM HYO-KYOUNG [[email protected]]