The South Korea national football team lost to Mexico 1-0 in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, making their knockout stage uncertain. In the A-group preliminary round 2 match held at the Mexico Guadalajara Stadium, the Korean national football team conceded a decisive goal to Luis Romo in the 5th minute of the second half. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu dropped the ball while colliding with defender Lee Ki-hyuk, and Romo scored. Coach Hong Myung-bo replaced Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung with Oh Hyun-gyu and Hwang Hee-chan in the 12th minute of the second half, but the equalizing goal did not come. The Korean national football team will play against South Africa in the 3rd preliminary round of Group A in Mexico Monterrey on the 25th. If they win or draw in this match, they will advance to the round of 32 as the second place in the group, following Mexico, which has already secured the top spot. The Czech Republic and South Africa in the same group have 1 draw and 1 loss each, with 1 point. In this tournament, the top 8 third-place teams from all 12 groups will also advance to the round of 32. The Korean national football team must win against South Africa to secure a spot in the round of 32. The performance of Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung will be crucial. Can the Korean national football team advance to the round of 32?