MEXICO CITY — Co-hosts Mexico completed a perfect group stage campaign at the 2026 World Cup, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Czechia at the iconic Estadio Banorte in front of 80,824 jubilant fans.
Three second-half goals — from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones, and Alvaro Fidalgo — ensured Mexico finished top of Group A with a maximum nine points, three wins from three matches, and sent Czechia packing with just a single point.
The result means Mexico enter the knockout phase as one of the tournament's form teams, having scored six goals and conceded none in the group stage.
The first half was a tactical affair, with Czechia packing their defense and Mexico enjoying over 68% possession but struggling to find a breakthrough. Czechia went close through Denis Visinsky who flashed an early effort wide, but Mexico grew into the game. Israel Reyes launched an ambitious overhead kick wide from the edge of the box — Mexico's first shot on 36 minutes.
The deadlock was broken in the 55th minute when Mateo Chavez rounded off a swift counter-attack, finishing coolly after being released by Luis Romo. Six minutes later, Julian Quinones doubled the lead from close range after a clearance rebounded off Jorge Sanchez, with his initial effort blocked by Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
The most emotional moment came in the 88th minute when 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa entered the match as a substitute, marking his appearance in a fourth different World Cup (2010, 2018, 2022, 2026). The stadium rose as one to applaud the Mexican legend.
Alvaro Fidalgo put the finishing touch on the victory in stoppage time, lashing home a loose ball after Kovar denied Santiago Gimenez. The goal capped off a dominant display from Tata Martino's side.
With the group stage complete, Group A's final standings see Mexico top on nine points, South Africa second on four points after their historic 1-0 win over South Korea, South Korea third on three points, and Czechia eliminated with one point.
Mexico will now await their round of 32 opponent as the tournament moves into the knockout phase. Based on their group-stage form — particularly three clean sheets — El Tri will be a formidable opponent for any team.
For Czechia, the wait for a first knockout stage appearance since 1990 continues.