Mexico eliminate Czech Republic to complete perfect World Cup group campaign
Co-hosts Mexico have eliminated the Czech Republic from the 2026 World Cup, securing a 3-0 victory at the Azteca Stadium to conclude a flawless Group A campaign.
Second-half goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo ensured El Tri advanced to the knockout stages with three consecutive victories.
The festive atmosphere in Mexico City was heightened by two historic milestones for the national side.
Ochoa and Mora enter record books
Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was introduced as a late substitute to make an appearance at a record sixth World Cup tournament.
The 40-year-old joins elite company, matching the longevity milestones previously established by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, teenage sensation Gilberto Mora shone brightly during a record-breaking start.
Aged 17 years and 101 days, the creative midfielder became the youngest player to start a World Cup fixture since Nigeria’s Femi Opabunmi in 2002.
Czechs bow out as Soucek suffers injury
While the home nation celebrated their progression, their European opponents exited the tournament with a whimper after mustering just a single shot on target.
The visitors’ misery was severely compounded by a concerning injury to West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek.
The experienced international had to be helped from the field after jarring his knee during the second half.
Second-half surge seals victory
Following a tense opening period where both sides struggled to create clear opportunities, Chavez finally broke the deadlock with a composed finish in the 55th minute.
Mora then demonstrated his prodigious talent by initiating the slick attacking move that allowed Quinones to double the advantage shortly after the hour mark.
The resounding victory was capped deep into stoppage time when Ochoa’s long delivery upfield ultimately resulted in Fidalgo’s sweeping third goal.
This commanding performance ensures the co-hosts top their group decisively, potentially setting up a blockbuster round-of-16 clash against England.
