Image: from ARISE NEWS X @ARISEtv
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Mexico completed a flawless FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage campaign on Wednesday, defeating Czechia 3,0 at the Estadio Azteca to finish Group A with a perfect record and confirm its status as one of the tournament’s early favorites.
Already assured of first place before kickoff, the tournament co-host secured its third consecutive victory with second-half goals from Mateo Chávez, Julián Quiñones, and substitute Álvaro Fidalgo, extending an unprecedented start to a World Cup campaign.
Second Half Breakthrough
Despite dominating possession for much of the contest, Mexico had to wait until the second half to break Czech resistance.
The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Mateo Chávez found space inside the penalty area and calmly finished to give the home supporters at the iconic Estadio Azteca plenty to celebrate.
Just six minutes later, Julián Quiñones doubled the advantage with a composed finish, putting the result beyond doubt and effectively ending Czechia’s hopes of staging a comeback.
Substitute Álvaro Fidalgo completed the scoring in stoppage time, finding the net in the 94th minute to cap another polished Mexican performance.
Historic Group Stage Campaign
Mexico’s victory completed a remarkable group stage.
The co-hosts finished with three wins from three matches, scoring six goals while conceding none, the first time the national team has ever completed a perfect World Cup group campaign.
Playing at the Estadio Azteca, located 2,240 meters above sea level in Mexico City, Javier Aguirre’s side once again demonstrated impressive defensive discipline alongside clinical finishing.
The victory also marked Mexico’s 20th win in 63 World Cup matches.
Group A Final Standings
Mexico finished comfortably at the top of Group A with nine points.
South Africa claimed second place with four points after defeating South Korea 1,0 to secure its first-ever qualification for the knockout stage.
South Korea finished third on three points and must wait to discover whether it advances as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Czechia exited the competition in fourth place with just one point after failing to register a victory.
Azteca Fortress Continues
Mexico will return to the Estadio Azteca for its Round of 32 match next Tuesday, where it will face one of the third-placed teams from Groups C, E, F, H, or I.
The venue continues to be a formidable fortress for El Tri, which remains unbeaten at the famous stadium throughout its World Cup history.
Backed by passionate home support and carrying momentum from a flawless group campaign, Mexico enters the knockout rounds with growing confidence and legitimate ambitions of making a deep run in the tournament.