Mexico secured top spot in Group A by winning their first two matches against South Africa and South Korea without conceding a goal, entering their final group match unbeaten with six points and a perfect defensive record [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Before the last matchday on June 24, Czech Republic had only one point after a loss to South Korea and a draw with South Africa, needing a result against Mexico to keep their World Cup hopes alive [1, 2, 4, 5].
At Estadio Azteca on June 24, Mexico defeated Czech Republic 3-0, eliminating the Czech team and leaving them bottom of the group [7, 8]. Czech coach Miroslav Koubek blamed travel fatigue, "stupid mistakes," and exhaustion from heavy travel, including trips to Mexico City, for their exit [7, 8]. Koubek also reflected on the state of Czech football, saying, "Czech football has been lagging behind, we need to improve our play... select players who can compete at this level" [8].
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said he was not fully satisfied despite the perfect record, noting defensive mistakes and lack of consistency across the matches. He said, "We haven't played well in the matches we've been winning, I am not fully satisfied" [3, 6]. He also emphasized merit-based decisions on player selection, stating, "I have always said since I returned that whoever is here, is here on their own merit" [6]. The team had considered rotating players against Czech Republic to rest key members ahead of the knockout stage, but maintained tactical discipline [1, 3, 6, 9, 10]. Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa competed for the starting spot based on fitness and form, not sentimentality [3, 6].
Czech Republic's main attacking hope Patrik Schick struggled to convert chances throughout the group, failing to make an impact against Mexico [1, 4, 5, 8]. Midfielder Ladislav Krejci had called the match "our last chance" and referenced past success against stronger teams as motivation: "The experience from March is very important for us... so we can succeed now against Mexico as well" [2].
Mexico will face a third-place finisher from groups C, E, F, H, or I in the round of 32 on June 30 in Mexico City [11, 12].
