Mexico Seeks Historic Perfect Group Stage at 2026 World Cup

Mexico stands on the brink of making history as it prepares to face Czechia in the final Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, June 24, at Mexico City Stadium. With two consecutive victories already secured—a 2-0 win over South Africa and a 1-0 triumph against South Korea—Mexico has clinched first place in the group and qualified for the Round of 32. A victory against Czechia would mark the first time in Mexican World Cup history that the team completes a group stage with a perfect 3-0 record, earning nine points. The match carries significance as a final tune-up before the knockout rounds, though Mexico has already secured its path forward.

Mexico's defensive performance has been a cornerstone of their success, with goalkeeper Raul Rangel keeping clean sheets in both matches played so far. The attack has been led by experienced forward Raul Jimenez, who scored against South Africa, and midfielder Luis Romo, who sealed the victory over South Korea. Under coach Javier Aguirre's direction, Mexico has demonstrated control and efficiency throughout the group phase, though a perfect group stage record remains elusive—the team previously achieved seven points in group play (the current maximum under the three-points-per-win system) in 2002 and 2014, but never went undefeated with three straight victories.

Czechia, by contrast, faces an elimination scenario. The team currently sits in third place with only one point, having lost 1-2 to South Korea in their opener and drawn 1-1 with South Africa in their second match. For Czechia to advance, a victory against Mexico is essential, though their qualification prospects remain dependent on results in the concurrent South Africa versus South Korea match. Goals from captain Ladislav Krejci and midfielder Michal Sadilek have kept Czechia's scoring tally at two, but inconsistent defending has hindered their tournament run. This represents Czechia's first World Cup appearance in two decades, adding pressure to their final group-stage encounter.

Group A qualification scenarios remain complex for the remaining spots. South Korea, currently in second place with three points, can secure advancement with a win over South Africa or by drawing and benefiting from direct-head-to-head advantage. South Africa, sitting in last place with one point, can still qualify with a victory, though their path to advancement depends heavily on other results. The standings demonstrate how closely matched the mid-table competition is, with goal differential playing a significant role in determining final placements among teams with equal points.

Historically, Mexico and Czechia have met only once in World Cup finals—in 1962 when Czechia competed as Czechoslovakia. Mexico won that encounter 3-1 in a match notable for featuring what was then the fastest goal in World Cup history, scored by Vaclav Masek. For Mexico, this 2026 edition offers an unprecedented opportunity to rewrite its group-stage legacy, while Czechia seeks to extend its tournament life with a victory.