Mexico sweeps World Cup group, beats Czechia and gives Memo Ochoa his shot

MEXICO CITY — Memo Ochoa walked over to the right goalpost, kissed it and walked over to the left side after the final whistle blew on Mexico's 3-0 World Cup win over Czechia on Wednesday night.

Backup goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo was the first one to greet the national icon on the pitch, and the two embraced for a lingering moment before more joined. Ochoa eventually fell to a knee, whether in prayer or emotion — or some combination of both — as the rest of his teammates approached him from midfield with a round of applause while the Estadio Azteca crowd sang the words to Vicente Fernandez's "El Rey" the entire time.

The team came together for another hug, then proceeded to toss Ochoa into the air.

Everything went according to plan.

Javier Aguirre-ball withstood an aggressive start from a desperate Czechia squad in both halves, despite some very audible disapproval from the Estadio Azteca crowd at the conservative playstyle.

But that flipped on its head in the second half. Two quick goals from Mateo Chávez and Julián Quiñones gave El Tri a comfortable lead — one large enough that allowed one of the country's all-time legend to have his moment.

Memo Ochoa checked in at the 78th minute to serenades from the now-jovial home fans. He took a moment before taking his post to hug his teammates and blow kisses into the stands, showing a mutual appreciation for the fans that have been with him for all of his six World Cups, four of which he has now played minutes.

"I think this is the most beautiful thing. That’s what you take, you take beautiful memories, the appreciation. When years go by (I hope) the fans remember positive things about me," Ochoa said on Telemundo's broadcast after the. match. "Ultimately, with my head held high, empty for having given everything to my country and happy that we’re in the next phase and want to go farther."

The last 12-plus minutes at El Coloso de Santa Úrsula were just as much a party as the opening ceremony, with Álvaro Fidalgo adding one more goal in stoppage time to put a bow on it.

Czechia vs. Mexico highlights

Álvaro Fidalgo adds one more goal for good measure

Fidalgo punches in the exclamation point for Mexico with a goal from the top of the box to give Mexico a 3-0 lead in stoppage time.

Memo Ochoa enters the match!

Mexico's legendary goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is appearing in a match at his sixth World Cup, entering in the 78th minute for starting 'keeper Raul Rangel. The crowd at the Estadio Azteca has gone wild.

Ochoa is the seventh player 40 years old or older to appear in this year's World Cup.

➤ Oldest players at the 2026 World Cup

Memo Ochoa warming up

The iconic Mexican goalkeeper is getting loose off the bench coming out of the hydration break. With a 2-0 lead late in a dead-rubber, now seems like as good as any for Ochoa to have his moment.

Edson Álvarez picks up yellow card

Álvarez took a swipe at the feet of Czechia's Adam Hlozek, warranting a warning for the 28-year-old Mexican defender.

Subs for Mexico in 63rd minute

• Guillermo Martínez OUT, Santiago Giménez IN
• Luis Romo OUT, Obed Vargas IN

Julián Quiñones puts Mexico up 2-0

Quiñones, the hero from the opening match, comes through again for El Tri.

Jorge Sánchez pushed ahead on the counter and was tripped up by Kovar, but the ball bounced off of Sánchez's backside as he was still on the ground and landed right in front of Quiñones, who effortlessly tapped the ball in for his second goal of the World Cup.

The smell of freshly spilt beer filled the air at Estadio Azteca as the fans began singing Quiñones' name.

Mateo Chávez goal for Mexico

Luis Romo got the ball at midfield and did a nice job evading Czechia defenders until he found the 22-year-old Mateo Chávez running free down the right wing and lobbed it to him. Chávez sidestepped another defender, ran into the box and chipped the ball into the lower left corner of the net for the opening goal in the 55th minute.

Mexico leads 1-0.

Czechia starts second half on the attack

Nároďák got their first shot on target three minutes into the half, and have continued to push forward against Mexico.

HALF TIME: Mexico 0 - 0 Czechia

For the second straight match, El Tri was loudly booed off the pitch by their own fans at the end of the first half.

Mexico was on the defensive from the opening whistle as Czechia -- needing a win to stay alive -- came out with their hair on fire. Dictating the pace early and living in Mexico's half of the field. Nároďák got six touches inside the 18-yard-box and put up six shots, though four of them were misses and the other two were blocked before they could reach the keeper.

El Tri did start to pick things back up late in the half, most notably with a shot on target from Jorge Sánchez in the 39th minute. But the last few minutes before the whistle were slowed to a crawl after a few foul calls, halting the momentum Mexico had gained and further angering the home crowd.

Mexico fans directing their anger at officials

The Estadio Azteca crowd has showed no hesitancy to voice their growing displeasure at what they perceive as unbalanced officiating late in the first half. After Czechia picked up their second free kick in the last few minutes, fans chanted "culero" at the referees alongside thunderous boos.

Jorge Sánchez shot on goal

Sánchez nearly got Mexico on the board in the 39th minute when he got a pass down the right side of the box and fired one towards the near post, but Czechia goalkeeper Matej Kovár was able to bat it away.

Mexico is coming alive on the attack.

Mexico yet to get a shot off

El Tri has not mounted much of an attack through 35 minutes here. They've had quick flashes of threatening, but none of them have yet to turn into real chances. This is actually the longest Czechia has gone in a World Cup game (ever, since 1966) without allowing a shot, per FotMob.

Mexico free kick

Guillermo Martinez earned a set piece for El Tri after he was dragged down by Robin Hranác 30 yards out. The free kick gets cleared easily by the defense.

Czechia staying aggressive against Mexico

El Tri has taken back time of possession, but that hasn't stopped Czechia from pressing when they do get the ball. Through the first 15 minutes, they've had four touches in the box and taken four shots, though none have come all that close.

Nároďák is playing for the World Cup lives, and they're showing every bit of that urgency.

Czechia dominating possession early

Nároďák has held onto the ball for the majority of the first eight minutes here and just came dangerously close to striking first blood, but Denis Visinsky's shot went just wide of the left goalpost.

Memo Ochoa and Raúl Rangel show respect for each other

Ochoa didn't crack the Starting XI as was heavily speculated, but the 40-year-old icon took part in a meaningful gesture with his teammate and successor.

Ochoa and Rangel walked onto the pitch for warmups side by side, their arms wrapped around each other's shoulder as the raucous Estadio Azteca crowd roared in approval.

Mexico lineup today

Czechia lineup today

Kovář – Coufal, Holeš, Hranáč, Krejčí, Douděra – Červ, Sadílek – Hložek, Šulc, Višinský

What time does Czechia vs Mexico start?

The matchup kicks off at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Where is Czechia vs Mexico game?

The Group A match is being held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Where to watch Czechia vs Mexico

The game is airing on Fox, but you can also watch on Fubo or the Fox One App. Spanish language broadcasts are available on Telemundo and Peacock.

Czechia vs Mexico expert predictions

Seth Vertelney: Czechia 1-2 Mexico

It's hard to know what to expect from what should be a Mexico reserve side, but the home crowd and altitude should be enough to secure a third straight win.

Jon Arnold: Czechia 0-2 Mexico

Even with an alternate group, Mexico will be fueled by the return to the Azteca and comfortably get past the Czechs.

Jesse Yomtov: Czechia 0-2 Mexico

El Tri will finish with nine points out nine, cruising to another win at the Azteca.

Victoria Hernandez: Czechia 1-2 Mexico

Mexico already has its Round of 32 position locked, but this one might be more of an emotional tribute to legendary goalkeeper Memo Ochoa.

Czechia vs Mexico live odds

World Cup standings

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