Mexico beat Czechia 3-0 to seal perfect Group A run

Mexico completed a perfect Group A at the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday night, beating Czechia 3-0 at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The result left Mexico with three wins from three matches and confirmed a first-place group finish, while Czechia were eliminated after ending the group stage with one point.

Mateo Chavez broke the deadlock in the 55th minute and Julian Quinones doubled the lead six minutes later. Alvaro Fidalgo added Mexico’s third in second-half stoppage time to complete the win.

The match was played on June 24, with officials noting it was the first time Mexico had won all three of its group-stage matches at a World Cup. Mexico’s previous best group-stage performance was two wins and a draw, achieved in 1986 and 2002.

Mexico had already secured top spot in Group A before kickoff, but Wednesday’s victory ensured the team advanced to the knockout phase with maximum points. Officials said Mexico will remain at the Azteca for its next match.

Czechia, needing a result to keep its hopes alive, could not recover after the two quick goals early in the second half. The defeat confirmed elimination after three group games.

Knockout match next at the Azteca

Mexico are scheduled to play again at Azteca Stadium on Tuesday in a round-of-32 match, with the opponent still to be determined. The perfect group stage sets up a clear task for the coaching staff: rotate carefully, protect key players and keep the attacking rhythm that decided this game after the break.

The win also adds to Mexico’s long-running association with the Azteca in major tournaments, with the team expected to lean on home support again in the first knockout round.

Mora’s record start and Ochoa’s sixth World Cup

Officials highlighted two individual milestones. Gilberto Mora became the youngest Mexico player to start a World Cup match at age 17, underlining the squad’s use of younger players on a major stage.

Goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa, 40, came on in the 77th minute for his first appearance of the tournament. Officials said that appearance placed him among a small group of players to feature in six separate World Cups.

Discriminatory chant returns and draws scrutiny

The match also included another incident involving a discriminatory chant from parts of the crowd aimed at the opposing goalkeeper during goal kicks. The chant has previously led to sanctions and fines from FIFA, and its return renewed questions about enforcement as the tournament continues.

Mexico now move into the round of 32 with maximum points from the group, while organisers and officials face added pressure to prevent further crowd incidents in upcoming matches.

Mexico’s next game on Tuesday will show whether a flawless group stage can be carried into a deep knockout run.