Mexico Finish Perfect Group Campaign as Czech Republic Crash Out

Mexico completed a flawless group-stage campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic, securing maximum points and ending the Europeans’ hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Already guaranteed top spot in Group A after victories over South Africa and South Korea, co-hosts Mexico took the opportunity to rotate their squad in Mexico City. The changes paid off as several fringe players impressed in a dominant display.

Left-back Mateo Chavez opened the scoring shortly after half-time, showing excellent composure to net his first international goal and give Mexico the breakthrough.

Teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora, making his first start of the tournament, was one of Mexico’s standout performers. The 17-year-old helped create the second goal when his pass released Jorge Sanchez through on goal. Although goalkeeper Matej Kovar initially made the save, Julian Quinones reacted quickest to poke home the loose ball for his second goal of the tournament.

Mora’s performance was another historic moment for Mexican football. At 17 years and 253 days old, he became the sixth-youngest player ever to start a men’s World Cup match and the youngest Mexican to achieve the feat.

The youngster received a standing ovation from the home crowd when he was substituted in the 72nd minute.

His replacement, Alvaro Fidalgo, put the result beyond doubt by curling a fine effort into the top corner from 15 yards to complete the scoring.

The Azteca Stadium crowd also gave a warm reception to veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa when he came on late in the match. The 40-year-old is taking part in his sixth World Cup, equalling the record held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The defeat confirmed the Czech Republic’s elimination from the tournament. They finished bottom of Group A with just one point from three matches.

Mexico, meanwhile, advance to the knockout stage with a perfect nine points from three games and will face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams in the last 32.