Mexico wrapped up a flawless group-stage campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Czechia on Wednesday night, sealing top spot in Group A and sending the Europeans out of the tournament.
After a tightly contested first half, El Tri took control after the break with two goals in quick succession.
Mateo Chávez, making his mark in his first World Cup, opened the scoring in the 55th minute before Julián Quiñones doubled Mexico’s lead just six minutes later with his second goal of the tournament.
Álvaro Fidalgo added the finishing touch deep into stoppage time to complete an emphatic win in Mexico City.
The victory ensured Mexico finished the group stage with three wins from three matches for the first time in their World Cup history.
Their previous best group-stage campaigns had come in 1986 and 2002, when they recorded two wins and a draw, both tournaments also linked to current coach Javier Aguirre, first as a player and later as manager.
Already assured of top spot in the group before kickoff, Mexico will now return to Azteca Stadium on Tuesday for their Round of 32 clash, with their opponent still to be determined.
For Czechia, the defeat confirmed an early exit after a disappointing campaign in which they collected just one point from three matches.
The match also carried historic significance for Mexico beyond the result. Gilberto Mora became the youngest Mexican player ever to start a World Cup match at just 17 years old, highlighting the next generation of talent emerging for the hosts.
Later in the game, veteran goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa came off the bench in the 77th minute, becoming one of only three players in history to appear in six different World Cups, alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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