Mexico clinching scenarios: What El Tri needs to advance in World Cup

In just its second game of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico can clinch its spot back in the knockout round.

The Mexico national team is back on the pitch on Thursday, June 18 to face South Korea in Group A action. El Tri got off to a sensational start in the tournament, opening it with a 2-0 win over South Africa. The three points out of the gate set up a great chance to get back to the knockout stage, and it set up a golden opportunity for Mexico to get out of the group stage after missing out in 2022, and continue playing in front of its home fans.

Here is what Mexico needs to advance to the World Cup knockout round:

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It all started with the first match of the day on Thursday between South Africa vs. Czechia. El Tri needed Czechia to draw or lose, and it got the result when the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Now, all Mexico needs to do is beat South Korea. If Mexico wins, it will win Group A, advance to the knockout round and play in the round of 32 in Mexico City on June 30.

Czechia draw or loss vs. South Africa (clinched)

If Mexico draws to South Korea, it won’t be able to clinch a spot in the next stage, but it would remain in a good spot to do so in the final Group A match against Czechia.

If Mexico loses, South Korea would win Group A. While it couldn’t win the group, Mexico would still remain in second place in the standings and has the inside track to be the runner-up in Group A.

• June 11: vs. South Africa (Win, 2-0)

• June 18: vs. South Korea, 9 p.m. ET, Guadalajara Stadium (Guadalajara, Mexico)

• June 24: vs. Czechia, 9 p.m. ET, Mexico City Stadium (Mexico City, Mexico)

June 11: vs. South Africa (Win, 2-0)

June 18: vs. South Korea, 9 p.m. ET, Guadalajara Stadium (Guadalajara, Mexico)

June 24: vs. Czechia, 9 p.m. ET, Mexico City Stadium (Mexico City, Mexico)