**Mexico Triumphs 3-0 to Eliminate Czechia and Win All Three World Cup Matches**
Mexico City, June 25, 2026 – In a commanding performance, Mexico defeated Czechia 3-0 on June 24, securing their place in the knockout stage of the World Cup with a perfect record in the group stage. This victory marks the first time Mexico has won all three matches in a World Cup group stage, a significant achievement for the national team.
The match, held at the iconic Azteca Stadium, saw a strong display from Mexico, particularly in the second half. Mateo Chavez, a 22-year-old making his World Cup debut, opened the scoring in the 55th minute. Just six minutes later, Julian Quinones extended Mexico's lead by netting his second goal of the tournament in the 61st minute. Alvaro Fidalgo capped off the night with a goal in stoppage time, sealing the 3-0 victory.
Mexico's previous best performance in the group stage consisted of two wins and one draw, accomplished in 1986 and 2002, with both tournaments featuring Javier Aguirre, who played as a midfielder in '86 and managed the team in '02. The current squad's achievement of winning all three group matches highlights a significant step forward for Mexican football.
With this victory, Mexico topped Group A and is set to face an opponent yet to be determined in the round of 32, scheduled for Tuesday at Azteca Stadium. Czechia, on the other hand, finished the group stage with just one point from three matches, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.
The match also featured notable moments that connected Mexico's football history with its future. Gilberto Mora, at just 17 years old, became the youngest player to start for Mexico in a World Cup. Additionally, veteran goalkeeper Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa made a late appearance in the 77th minute, joining an elite group of players, including Argentina's Lionel Messi and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, by participating in six World Cups.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the match was marred by the return of a controversial chant from the stands. Fans were heard chanting a homophobic slur directed at Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar during a goal kick. This chant has previously led to fines and sanctions against Mexico's Football Federation and has persisted despite efforts to eliminate it from the stadium experience. The chant, which has been a recurring issue since it gained popularity approximately 25 years ago, has been heard in previous World Cups, including those held in Brazil, Russia, and Qatar.
As Mexico prepares for the knockout stage, the team will look to build on their strong group stage performance while also addressing the challenges posed by fan behavior that could impact their standing with FIFA. The upcoming matches will be crucial as Mexico aims to advance further in the tournament and potentially achieve their long-awaited goal of a World Cup title.