South Korea advances if it beats Mexico ; that would put it top of Group A and into the knockout round. If it only draws, it still has a path, but then qualification depends on the final group match and tiebreakers.

What has to happen

  • Win vs. Mexico: automatic advancement as Group A winner.
  • Draw vs. Mexico: still alive, but not guaranteed; the team would need help from other results and/or the third-match tiebreakers.
  • Loss vs. Mexico: it can still advance as one of the best third-place teams, but that depends on how the other groups finish.

Current position

South Korea is described as being in a relatively safe spot after its opening results, sitting among the stronger third-place contenders by points and goal difference.

Simple version

The cleanest path is: beat Mexico. Anything less makes it a waiting game.