Mexico has already qualified for the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, but it still has one mission left: to secure first place in Group A. This Wednesday, June 24, Javier Aguirre’s team faces the Czech Republic at Azteca Stadium, while Monterrey will host the other key match in the group—a result that could also influence El Tri’s future opponent.
After defeating South Africa 2-0 and South Korea 1-0, the Mexican national team enters the final matchday with six points and no goals conceded. On the other hand, the Czech Republic must win and hope for a favorable combination of results to stay alive in the World Cup.
📅 Wednesday, June 24, 2026
⏰ 7:00 p.m. (Central Mexico Time)
📍 Stadium: Azteca Stadium / Mexico City Stadium
📺 Canal 5, TUDN, Azteca 7, ViX, and the Azteca Deportes app
Monterrey will also play a key role in Group A
While Mexico seeks to finish the group stage with a perfect record, Estadio Monterrey will host the match between South Korea and South Africa. Both games will be played at the same time and will determine the final standings in Group A.
Although El Tri has already secured its spot in the next round, finishing at the top of the group could mean a more favorable path in the Round of 16. For that reason, Javier Aguirre’s team will look to avoid any upsets against the Europeans.
What does Mexico need to finish as group leader?
The outlook is favorable for the Mexican national team. A draw or a win against the Czech Republic would allow them to secure first place in the group.
The Czech Republic, for its part, enters the match with just one point after losing to South Korea and drawing with South Africa. The Europeans need to win and hope that the results of the other match go their way to stay in contention as one of the best third-place teams.
The only confirmed absence for the match is Czech defender David Jurásek, who is out for the remainder of the tournament due to a muscle injury. Mexico welcomes back César Montes after he served his suspension and may make some lineup changes with the next round in mind.
The match will be played at Azteca Stadium, a venue officially named Mexico City Stadium for the duration of the tournament. With a capacity of nearly 87,000 spectators and located more than 2,200 meters above sea level, it remains one of the most iconic venues in world soccer.
Possible lineups for Mexico vs. the Czech Republic
Mexico (4-3-3): Rangel; Reyes, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Edson Álvarez, Lira, Romo; Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez, Quiñones.
Czech Republic (4-2-3-1): Kovář; Coufal, Krejčí, Hranáč, Zelený; Souček, Sadílek; Provod, Šulc, Hložek; Schick.
Once the matchday concludes, Mexico will officially learn its opponent for the Round of 16 and the path that awaits it in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.
