Mexico remains unbeaten in WC group stage for the first time

Mexico has achieved a new milestone in its football history by winning all three of its group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The co-host nation advanced to the knockout stage with a 100% winning record after defeating the Czech Republic 3-0 in their final group match.

In the match held at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mateo Chávez and Julián Quiñones put Mexico ahead by scoring two goals within six minutes early in the second half on Wednesday night. In the 55th minute, 22-year-old Chávez, playing in his first World Cup, scored to give his team the lead. Six minutes later, in the 61st minute, Quiñones netted his second goal of the tournament. Álvaro Fidalgo scored the third goal during second-half injury time.

With this victory, Mexico won all of its World Cup group-stage matches for the first time in history. Previously, the team's best performance was two wins and a draw, achieved in 1986 and 2002. Current coach Javier Aguirre was involved in both of those tournaments—first as a player and later as a coach.

Having already secured the top spot in Group A, Mexico had locked in its place in the knockout stage before this match. The team is now unbeaten in 11 consecutive matches, with their last defeat coming in a friendly against Panama last November.

The match also witnessed a blend of Mexico's past and future. Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora made history as the youngest Mexican player to start a World Cup match. On the other hand, 40-year-old veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa came onto the pitch in the 77th minute, in what is likely his final match in the national jersey. With this appearance, he joined Argentina's Lionel Messi and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo in achieving the feat of playing in six World Cups. Ochoa, who turns 41 on July 13, has already announced his retirement from international football after the World Cup.

By finishing at the top of Group A, Mexico's opponent in the Round of 32 will be one of the third-placed teams from Group C, E, F, H, or I, depending on the results of the other groups. Mexico will play that match next Tuesday at the Azteca Stadium. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic has been eliminated from the tournament, securing only one point from three matches.