No previous meetings between these teams.
-
1
Luis Romo1 - 2
Ladislav Krejcí1 - 3Raúl Jiménez1
- 4Julián Quiñones1
- 5Michal Sadílek1
- 1Raúl Jiménez6
- 2Julián Quiñones6
- 3Ladislav Krejcí5
- 4Brian Gutiérrez5
- 5Michal Sadílek5
- 6Jesús Gallardo3
- 7Adam Hlozek3
- 8Patrik Schick2
- 9Luis Romo1
- 10Lukás Cerv1
- 1Ladislav Krejcí3
- 2Lukás Provod3
- 3Edson Álvarez3
- 4Luis Romo2
- 5Érik Lira2
- 6Pavel Sulc2
- 7Roberto Alvarado2
- 8Brian Gutiérrez1
- 9Vladimír Coufal1
- 10Raúl Jiménez1
- 1Érik Lira1
- 2Vladimír Coufal1
- 3Alexandr Sojka1
- 4Roberto Alvarado1
- 1Vladimír Coufal6
- 2Brian Gutiérrez4
- 3Julián Quiñones4
- 4Roberto Alvarado3
- 5Ladislav Krejcí2
- 6Raúl Jiménez2
- 7Alexandr Sojka2
- 8Israel Reyes2
- 9Luis Romo1
- 10Érik Lira1
- 1Johan Vásquez122
- 2Edson Álvarez85
- 3Érik Lira83
- 4Ladislav Krejcí76
- 5Jesús Gallardo62
- 6Robin Hranác62
- 7César Montes60
- 8Roberto Alvarado50
- 9Julián Quiñones48
- 10Alexandr Sojka46
- 1Julián Quiñones5
- 2Roberto Alvarado3
- 3Vladimír Coufal2
- 4Pavel Sulc2
- 5Vladimír Darida2
- 6Alexandr Sojka2
- 7Jaroslav Zeleny2
- 8Jorge Sánchez1
- 9Jesús Gallardo1
- 10Érik Lira1
- 1Jesús Gallardo3
- 2Tomás Holes3
- 3Érik Lira2
- 4Vladimír Coufal2
- 5Alexandr Sojka2
- 6Edson Álvarez2
- 7Luis Romo1
- 8Jorge Sánchez1
- 9Gilberto Mora1
- 10Ladislav Krejcí1
Czech Republic and Mexico go head to head in their final Group A fixture at World Cup 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 2am (UK time) on Thursday at the Estadio Banorte. Both sides still have plenty to play for, with qualification positions yet to be fully decided heading into the final round of matches.
Mexico have made an impressive start on home soil, winning both of their opening games, including a victory over South Korea last time out. Meanwhile, Czech Republic were unable to secure maximum points against South Africa and had to settle for a draw. Find our Czech Republic vs Mexico predictions and best bets below.
Czech Republic vs Mexico predictions & betting tips
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erik Lira 2+ tackles | 4/5 @ bet365 (55.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Erik Lira has quietly become one of Mexico’s most reliable performers in the middle of the park. The midfielder has completed at least two tackles in both of his World Cup appearances so far, underlining his importance both in and out of possession. With Czech Republic expected to see plenty of the ball, Lira should have further opportunities to showcase his defensive qualities. Given his consistency across the opening two matches, backing him to complete two or more tackles again at 5/6 with bet365 looks a strong play. |
| A red card to be shown | 5/6 @ Ladbrokes (54.5%) | ⭐⭐ | Neither side has been particularly prolific in front of goal at this World Cup. Mexico are averaging 12 shots per game, while Czech Republic have managed just 10.5, suggesting clear-cut chances could be at a premium in this contest. Furthermore, low-scoring matches have become a familiar theme for Mexico. Eight of their last 10 games have produced two goals or fewer, so another tight encounter could be on the cards when these sides meet in their final Group A fixture. |
How both teams go into Czech Republic vs Mexico
Czech Republic head into their final Group A match knowing only a win is likely to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Miroslav Koubek’s side have collected just one point from their opening two games and cannot afford another slip-up against tournament hosts Mexico.
Narodak suffered a narrow defeat to South Korea despite taking the lead, before drawing with South Africa after conceding a late equaliser. They currently sit third in the group, but history offers some encouragement, with Czech Republic winning their only previous meeting with Mexico 2-1 back in 2000.
Mexico have enjoyed the perfect start to their home World Cup, winning both of their opening matches without conceding a goal. Victories over South Africa and South Korea have lifted Javier Aguirre’s side to the top of Group A and secured their place in the knockout rounds with a game to spare.
El Tricolor now have the opportunity to seal top spot in the group and secure a more favourable path through the knockout stages. Avoiding defeat against Czech Republic would achieve that objective, and Mexico will take confidence from the form that has seen them score three goals and keep two clean sheets so far.
Czech Republic team news
Miroslav Koubek is unlikely to make many changes after Czech Republic produced an improved display against South Africa. With victory essential to keep their World Cup hopes alive, the manager may stick with the side that looked far more balanced in their second group match.
Adam Hlozek and Patrik Schick formed an effective partnership in attack and are expected to continue together, with Vladimir Darida operating behind them. Elsewhere, Michal Sadilek should retain his place after scoring last time out, while Alexandr Sojka is set to continue at left wing-back following an impressive performance against South Africa.
Mexico team news
Mexico have already secured their place in the knockout rounds, so Javier Aguirre faces a decision over how heavily he rotates his side. Several squad players could come into contention, while regular starters may receive a well-earned rest ahead of the round of 32.
Cesar Montes is available again and could return in defence, while Guillermo Ochoa may get an opportunity in goal. Further forward, Santiago Gimenez is pushing to start in attack, with Gilberto Mora, Luis Chavez and Luis Romo also among those hoping for more minutes. Even so, Aguirre is unlikely to make wholesale changes as he looks to maintain momentum and secure top spot in Group A.
Head-to-head
The Czech Republic and Mexico have only ever played once. The game came in the Lunar New Year Cup that was played in Hong Kong in 2000. Czech Republic came out 2-1 winners.
A low-scoring affair on the cards
With qualification and group positions still on the line, a cautious contest could be in store at the Estadio Banorte. Czech Republic need a positive result to keep their World Cup hopes alive, while Mexico have little reason to take unnecessary risks after securing their place in the knockout rounds.
As a result, chances may be limited and patience could prove key. Both teams have generally kept games tight during the group stage, making under 2.5 goals at 5/6 with Ladbrokes an appealing option.
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