During the night of Thursday, June 18, the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaumcelebrated the victory of the Mexican team 1-0 over South Korea in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup and highlighted the emotion that the result has generated among the country’s fans, who celebrated the leadership of the group for the first time in 24 years.
“Everyone very happy, happy and very excited. A happiness. Congratulations to the national team. For their game, for the goal, the goalkeeper’s save and for the happiness they bring to the town from Mexico. Congratulations,” said the Mexican ruler during her press conference, after the Tricolor’s second consecutive victory.
This is because Mexico became the first classified in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup reaching six points, three more than South Korea and five above the Czech Republic and South Africawho tied 1-1 on the same day, so many consider that the home team is giving them a great boost.
Therefore, the team led by Javier Aguirre will close the group stage next June 24 facing Czechia at the Mexico City Stadium, in a meeting that will coincide with the birthday of the president, who had previously raised the possibility of following the game from Historic Center of the Mexican capital.
Mexico in the last six World Cups
Qatar 2022
After finishing in first position in Group A of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico left behind its disappointing participation in Qatar 2022where they finished in third place in their group and were eliminated in the first round, after losing against Argentinatie before Poland and beat Saudi Arabia in an inconsequential game.
Russia 2018
Four years earlier, Mexico began the 2018 World Cup with one of the most important victories in its history: a 1-0 victory against the current world champion, Germany. However, despite having beaten Korea, the defeat against Sweden on the last date relegated them to second place and, in the round of 16, they lost to Brazil.
Brazil 2014
Mexico arrived at the 2014 World Cup with one of its best squads in years, earning second place in Group A after finishing unbeaten: tied against Brazil and beat Cameroon and Croatia. However, the Tricolor They once again remained in the round of 16 after losing to the Netherlands in the remembered “It wasn’t a penalty” match.
South Africa 2010
After tying with South Africa in the opening match and defeat the current world runner-up, Franceon the second date, Mexico was once again unable to secure the lead and fell to Uruguay on the last day, a result that relegated him to second place. Therefore, he lost to Argentina in the round of 16 by 3-1.
Germany 2006
In Germany 2006 the story was the same. Mexico started on the right foot after beating 3-1 Iran and draw 0-0 with Angolabut fell 2-1 to Portugal on the last day. The sub-leadership of the group forced him to face his teammate in the round of 16 executionerArgentina, who eliminated El Tri in extra time with a goal from Maxi Rodriguez.
Korea – Japan 2002
The last time Mexico finished first in its group before 2026 was at the World Cup in Korea-Japan 2002when El Tri defeated Croatia and Ecuador before achieving a valuable draw against Italy on the last date. However, despite the lead, the Mexicans fell in the round of 16 against their neighbors, the USA.
Today you don’t sleep in Guadalajara. ✨🔥
A party that resonates throughout Mexico! 🇲🇽#SomosMexico 💚🤍❤️ pic.twitter.com/ehrfipbuAE
— National Team (@miseleccionmx) June 19, 2026