Mexico tops Group A as Czechs falter again at 2026 World Cup
Mexico secured top spot in Group A with a 1-0 win over South Korea, while the Czech Republic were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa, leaving both on one point after two matches.
Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa
The Czech Republic took the lead in the sixth minute through Michal Sadilek, who finished a slick team move at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Despite having several clear chances to extend the advantage, they retreated into a passive, safety-first approach. South Africa rarely threatened until a handball by Pavel Sulc in the 81st minute gifted a penalty.
Teboho Mokoena converted the spot-kick to level at 1-1, leaving both teams with a solitary point. Czech media criticized the performance as a "disaster" and "futility", with coach Miroslav Koubek nonetheless praising his players' effort.
I assess this performance positively. We played a team that moves the ball very well and has really talented players. We knew what to expect and that we wouldn't dominate entirely.
The result put the Czechs in a difficult position, needing to beat Mexico in their final group match to have any hope of reaching the knockout stage.
Mexico 1-0 South Korea
At Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico edged South Korea 1-0 to clinch Group A. Luis Romo scored the only goal in the 50th minute after goalkeeper Seung-Gyu Kim failed to hold a cross cleanly and collided with a teammate, allowing Romo to poke the loose ball home.
South Korea had a first-half chance ruled out for offside after Heung-Min Son lobbed the keeper, but the hosts controlled most of the contest. The victory gave Mexico six points from two games and an unassailable lead in the group.
- Sadílek gives Czech Republic early lead (6')
- Sulc handball leads to penalty; Mokoena equalises (83')
- Romo scores the winner for Mexico vs South Korea (50')
Group A standings and outlook
With one round remaining, Mexico lead with six points, South Korea are second on three, and both the Czech Republic and South Africa have one point. The final fixtures on 25 June see the Czechs face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, while South Africa meet South Korea. Only a win for the Czechs could keep them in contention, while South Africa must also win and hope for a favourable result elsewhere.
I expected a difficult match, I wouldn't underestimate South Africa. Defensive mistakes could cruelly come back to haunt us. After a great start we lost our activity.
Koubek insisted his side remains in the tournament. "We have something to build on, we'll analyse this match and want to continue this trend. Now we face the host Mexico. We're still in it," he said.
