Mexico's Julian Quiñones. [AP]
Mexico's Julian Quiñones. [AP]

Mexico are leading the Czech Republic 2-0 in their Group A third-round match at the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup.

At Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday (Korean Standard Time), Mexico broke the deadlock in the 55th minute through Mateo Chavez, then extended their lead six minutes later when Julian Quiñones made it 2-0.

If the score holds, South Korea are likely to advance to the round of 32 as the group's third-place team.

Chavez's goal came from a through-ball by Luis Romo that split the Czech defense. Chavez, playing as a left back, received the pass on an underlapping run and, opening his body, finished with his left foot in a one-on-one situation.

Quiñones's goal came after Gilberto Mora played a pass down the right flank and Jorge Sanchez kept the move alive. Quiñones pounced on the loose ball in the scramble to slot it home.

The Czech Republic dominated the first half, pressing high to disrupt Mexico's build-up play and holding them without a single shot before the hydration break. Mexico shifted the momentum in the second half by spending more time in possession in the Czech half.

Meanwhile, in the simultaneous Group A match, South Africa's Tafelo Maseko gave his side the lead against South Korea in the 62nd minute. Even if South Korea lose to South Africa, they can still advance to the round of 32 in third place as long as Mexico beat the Czech Republic.


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