The Football Faithful
·24 June 2026
Czechia vs Mexico – Match preview and team news

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Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·24 June 2026

Mexico are already assured of a place in the Round of 32, though Czechia must win to retain a chance of progress to the knockout rounds.
David Jurasek remains sidelined for Czechia after sustaining a thigh issue in training. His tournament appears over, regardless of progress, with the defender expected to be out until late July.
With progress assured, Mexico are set to hand veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa a start in the final group game. The legendary goalkeeper, 40, is in his sixth World Cup squad and is set to make what is likely to be his final World Cup appearance for El Tri in front of a home crowd.
Elsewhere, central defender Cesar Montes is back from suspension, having served a ban following a late red card against South Africa.
A poor start to the tournament has Czechia scrapping to reach the knockouts. The Czechs have led in both World Cup games so far, but lost 2-1 to South Korea, before conceding a late penalty to draw with South Africa.
It continues a tough run of form for Czechia, who have won only four of their last 11 games in normal time. Those wins have come against minnows San Marino, Gibraltar, Kosovo and Guatemala.
Mexico can relax ahead of the final fixture with progress assured. The co-hosts have claimed wins over South Africa and South Korea without conceding to book a Round of 32 place with a game to spare.
It continues a formidable record at the Azteca. Mexico have conceded just twice in eight World Cup games at the venue, with this the third World Cup hosted in the country. They’ve also never lost a World Cup game at the famous stadium, winning six and drawing two of those eight games.
Czechia: Kovar; Holes, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Darida, Cerv, Sadilek, Sojka; Schick, Hlozek
Mexico: Ochoa; Sanchez, Reyes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Gutierrez, Lira, Romo; Alvarado, Gimenez, Quinones
The match will be available on BBC One in the UK.







































