FIFA World Cup 2026: Mexico becomes first country to reach knockout stage of World Cup

A massive World Cup celebration in Koreatown ended with fights, shots fired and a citywide tactical alert. A UPS truck was even overtaken.

A massive World Cup celebration in Koreatown ended with fights, shots fired and a citywide tactical alert. A UPS truck was even overtaken.

Thousands of people packed watch parties for Mexico's 1-0 win over South Korea, but as the night went on, police say things got out of control.

A man was found shot in the leg after police responded to a shots-fired call at a World Cup watch party in Koreatown.

The Los Angeles Police Department received a call around 6:40 p.m. of someone shooting a gun in the air in the 800 block of Irolo Street.

When officers arrived, they found a man shot in the leg. He was taken to a hospital in unknown condition.

One person was taken into custody, according to police.

Further details weren't immediately released, and no other injuries were reported.

Thousands of people spilled onto Olympic Boulevard and bars filled to capacity. Police eventually shot down part of the street and formed a skirmish line to control the crowd.

By 9 p.m., about an hour after the match ended, LAPD had issued a citywide tactical alert, which was canceled at about 10:30 p.m.

Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 in their World Cup second group stage match.

A goal from Luis Romo in the 50th minute of the game put Mexico in the knockout stage of the tournament. Mexico is the first country to reach the knockouts.

A terrible mistake by Kim Seung-gyu, who tried to claim the ball in his box but got stuck on Lee Gi-hyuk. The ball fell right to Romo, who poked it into the back of the net and gave Mexico the lead.

Son Heung-min put in a shift in the opening 45 minutes, but he couldn't find a way through Edson Álvarez and Mexico's defense in the opening 45 minutes.

Mexico's goalkeeper Raúl Rangel stopped a point-blank header and a shot in the immediate aftermath from South Korea.

Mexico's first two games in the knockouts will take place in Mexico City. A major advantage for El Tri as they look to go on a run.

ESPN contributed to this report.

Mexico takes on South Korea, a huge game in the World Cup, Thursday night. We of course have big populations in Los Angeles and the two cultures have a friendship.

Mexico takes on South Korea, a huge game in the World Cup, Thursday night. We of course have big populations in Los Angeles and the two cultures have a friendship.

It's a love story years in the making and this World Cup brings a new chapter. As Mexico and South Korea fútbol fans embrace one another around the world, it strikes a cord in L.A., a microcosm of these communities coming together.

"It's very beautiful to see because you have these two different cultures that come together, and it's like, you see this big community evolve throughout the years," said Mexico fan and Baldwin Park resident Jackie Carrillo.

In the 2018 World Cup, the two countries forged a bond when South Korea beat Germany helping Mexico advance to the next stage.

Ever since that day, the popular chant "Coreano hermano, ya eres mexicano" can be heard. It translated as "Korean brother, you are now Mexican."

And for many, the love story goes back further. The Carrillo sisters are longtime K-pop fans.

"I started with second-generation of K-pop," said Belen Carrillo.

They've embraced K-drama and Korean culture, making their way to South Korea.

"I want to keep learning more about Korea itself...I'm very thankful that my sister introduced me to K-pop, and also, just Korea itself because it's amazing.

Some not only love but represent both cultures. Little Yuna is Japanese, Mexican and Korean.

"She's wearing a Mexico jersey and a little hanbok to kind of bring her culture together," said Yuna's mother.

So although there is a competition, many are rooting for both teams.

If you are looking for a fun place to watch the Mexico vs South Korea game Thursday night, head over to Seoul International Park in L.A.'s Koreatown.

There are activations and games, and the first 1,000 attendees will get a Red Devils T-shirt, bandana and thunder stick. You can bring chairs and umbrellas, but alcohol is not permitted.

The game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. PT.