Mexico seal Group A perfection in style

Mexico completed a perfect World Cup group stage with a composed 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic at a vibrant Estadio Azteca, securing first place in Group A and a last‑32 return to the same venue on June 30. After a cautious first half, the breakthrough arrived in the 55th minute when Mateo Chavez finished confidently to ignite the hosts. Six minutes later, Julian Quiñones punished defensive confusion to double the lead, leaving the Czechs unable to recover.

Deep into stoppage time, Alvaro Fidalgo capped the night by smashing home a low cross to seal Mexico’s third straight win. The evening also delivered a symbolic moment as veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa entered as a substitute, marking his sixth World Cup finals appearance at age 40. The Czech Republic, bottom of the group, head home winless, while Mexico advance with momentum and a sense of growing belief.