Mexico continues to write a historic page in the 2026 World Cup. The team led by Javier Aguirre defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 in a packed Azteca Stadium and became, for the first time, in the country’s history, to win its three matches in the group stage of a World Cup.
El Tri finished as the undefeated leader of Group A with nine points and now hopes to meet its rival in the round of 32, where it will face one of the best third-placed teams.
After a goalless first half, the Mexican team found strength in the complement. Mateo Chávez opened the scoring with a spectacular individual action in the 55th minute, Julián Quiñones extended the lead just six minutes later and Álvaro Fidalgo sealed the win in added time to spark the celebration of the fans.
Javier Aguirre acknowledged that the team did not have the best start, but highlighted the reaction capacity of his players. “It wasn’t a perfect game, although we settled in afterwards. The team showed great mental strength,” said the coach.
The night was also marked by a historic moment: the entry of Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa 13 minutes from the end. The 40-year-old goalkeeper thus played in his sixth World Cup with the Mexican team, equaling the record shared by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Applauded by more than 80,000 fans, Ochoa finished excitedly, kissed the goal posts and was cheered by his teammates after the final whistle.
Outside the stadium, the euphoria was also felt. Thousands of fans celebrated at the Ángel de la Independencia and the Zócalo in Mexico City, convinced that this team can break the historic barrier of the quarterfinals, a stage that El Tri has never managed to overcome in a World Cup.
With perfect pace and an atmosphere of enthusiasm, Mexico faces the knockout phase as one of the strongest teams in the tournament.
