Mexico secured a perfect group-stage record for the first time at a World Cup after a commanding 3–0 victory over the Czech Republic, finishing top of Group A with nine points to reach the knockout stage.
The hosts produced a dominant second-half display after a goalless opening 45 minutes at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when 22-year-old Mateo Chávez, making his first World Cup appearance, scored to give Mexico the lead.
Six minutes later, Julián Quiñones doubled the advantage, putting the hosts firmly in control.
Deep into stoppage time, Álvaro Fidalgo added a third goal to complete the 3–0 win.
The result marked Mexico’s best-ever group-stage performance, surpassing previous records from the 1986 and 2002 World Cups.
Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora made history by starting the match, becoming the youngest player to feature in a World Cup game for Mexico.
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa also made headlines after coming on in the 77th minute, marking his sixth World Cup appearance and joining a select group alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Czech Republic finished with just one point and were eliminated from the tournament. Mexico now await their knockout-stage opponents.
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