Czech Republic vow to win as Mexico plan rotation — Group A scenarios grow complex

The Czech Republic, with their backs against the wall, are steeling themselves for a must-win final group-stage match against Mexico at the 2026 North America World Cup.

Mexico, who have already secured a place in the round of 32, are expected to rest key players for the Czech match — a result that could significantly shape South Korea's own path to the knockout stage.

The two sides meet Thursday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City in their Group A finale.

Currently sitting third in Group A, the Czech Republic must beat Mexico to keep their round-of-32 hopes alive.

Czech players have made clear they are ready for the challenge. Defender Ladislav Krejci said in a recent interview with Czech outlet iFootball that the Mexico match is "the most important game of my career" and that he believes "we can beat Mexico."

He added that "the players don't need any special motivation — everyone knows what this tournament means and what is at stake."

Mexico, who eliminated South Korea and clinched their round-of-32 berth early, plan to give some starters a rest against the Czech Republic, looking to conserve energy and minimize injury risk ahead of the knockout rounds.

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who is chasing a record sixth World Cup appearance, is likely to start. All of Mexico's first-choice defenders are also expected to sit out.

ESPN Mexico reported Tuesday that coach Javier Aguirre intends to give the 41-year-old Ochoa his first appearance at this World Cup. "Bryan Gutierrez will also rest, and left back Jesus Gallardo is out — backup Mateo Chavez will get his chance," the outlet said.

If the Czech Republic beat Mexico, the Group A standings race becomes far more complicated. Should South Korea lose to South Africa in their simultaneous match, both the Czech Republic and South Africa would finish with one win, one draw and one loss — four points each — while South Korea would drop to the bottom of the group and be eliminated.

South Korea's safest path to the round of 32 is to at least draw with South Africa. Even if the Czech Republic beat Mexico, a South Korea draw would be enough to advance in second place on head-to-head record.