Mexico hometown hero punches World Cup knockout ticket
One of the 2026 World Cup's host nations saw incredible fortune and their own skills in net during the second game of their group stage.
On the heels of a previous 2-0 win over South Africa in last Thursday's kickoff game, Mexico needed to sweat a second-half charge by South Korea after a lazy first half for both sides. The showdown at scenic Guadalajara Stadium (Estadio Akron) took viewers' breath away as Mexico clinched Group A and a spot in the Knockout Round of 32.
Particular credit goes to Mexico's goaltender, a Guadalajara native who stood up for his home country and hometown in the most jaw-dropping way.
Read more World Cup coverage at Lindy's Sports throughout the tournament.
Raul Rangel's unbelievable double save clinches Group A for Mexico
In the second match of his first World Cup tournament, Raúl Rangel combined to save two up-close attempts from Korea in the waning minutes with body control that would make an acrobat jealous.
He saved the first with outstretched hands and legs, then used his fingertips to thwart a rebound from inches away and rolled with a bear hug to keep the ball on the Mexico side of the goal line.
(And his teammate almost knocked it in himself to negate this amazing effort!)
As they say, "SCENES":
RAÚL RANGEL, YOU ARE UNREAL!
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026
SUPERB WORK IN GOAL TO SAVE MEXICO LATE! pic.twitter.com/OrTJfvDnSB
You may not see a better World Cup save this tournament-or ever.
Mexico deposited its goal when Luis Romo collected a botched catch by Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and rifled it in:
The coaches couldn't believe this mistake by Seung-Gyu Kim that led to Mexcico's goal pic.twitter.com/h2Ocwc6gBJ
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026
Korea had been playing conservatively with the likely hope for a tie, looking ahead to a matchup with South Africa that plays more favorably than Mexico's final group game vs. Czechia.
This setup did not leave them in great shape to respond to a goal from the much more dynamic Mexico offense -- especially since Korea was at fault.
Related: Lionel Messi Responds to Kylian Mbappe to Claim Share of Record
Who is Raúl Rangel?
Rangel is the goaltender for Liga MX's Guadalajara and earned the starting role for the World Cup squad.
Affectionately known as "Tala," the 26-year-old has replaced stalwart Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa as Mexico's starting keeper.
The Guadalajara native could hardly ask for a better result from his early hometown and home country efforts.
Related: Folarin Balogun's Dominant World Cup Debut Revives Team USA's Hope For Deep Run
World Cup Group A clinching scenarios for Round of 32
- Mexico (6 pts. +3 Goal Differential): Clinched Group A, advance to Knockout Round of 32
- South Korea (3 pts, 0 GD): In with a win, or a draw plus no improvement by Czechia or South Africa in goal differential.
- Czechia (1 pt, -1 GD): Must win and survive goal differential changes.
- South Africa (1 pt, -2 GD): Must win and leapfrog the two teams above them.
Mexico will now play all Knockout games within the country, giving them a huge homefield advantage.
Wednesday, June 24, 9 p.m. ET:
- Mexico vs. Czechia
- South Korea vs. South Africa
Both matches will be played simultaneously to ensure independent competition.
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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 6:42 AM.