Santiago Giménez Rescues Mexico with a Last-Gasp Goal to Avoid Defeat Against South Korea in FIFA International Break

The Mexican national football team avoided defeat this Tuesday thanks to a stoppage-time goal by Santiago Giménez, securing a 2-2 draw against South Korea at Geodis Park in Nashville, United States.

Santiago Giménez GOAL 📹👇

For El Tri, which drew 0-0 against Japan last Saturday in their first match of the September 2025 FIFA international break, Raúl Jiménez also scored. South Korea’s goals came from Son Heung-Min and Oh Hyeon-Gyu. Both teams have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Mexico dominated much of the first half and opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Rodrigo Huescas delivered a lofted cross to Raúl Jiménez, who headed in the 1-0. Before halftime, Johan Vásquez nearly doubled the lead with a powerful shot, but goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu reacted in time.

In the second half, South Korea’s coach Hong Myung-bo made key substitutions, bringing on star Son Heung-Min, who transformed the South Korean attack. The Tottenham player attempted to equalize twice but was denied by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel. Finally, in the 65th minute, Son leveled the score with a volley assisted by Oh Hyeon-Gyu.

South Korea completed their comeback in the 75th minute when Oh Hyeon-Gyu received a through ball, outmaneuvered Vásquez, and scored with a cross-shot for 1-2. However, in the final play of the match, Santiago Giménez appeared at the edge of the box, turned, and struck a left-footed shot to score the 2-2 in the 94th minute, saving Mexico from defeat.

With this result, the Mexican national team concludes its Asian tour with two draws, while Santiago Giménez continues to establish himself as a key figure heading into the 2026 World Cup.