The final matchday of Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought the group stage to a close, with Mexico completing a perfect campaign thanks to a 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic. South Africa joined them in the knockout rounds as runners-up after defeating South Korea 1-0, making history by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever. South Korea now waits to see whether it can advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Czech Republic 0-3 Mexico
The World Cup co-hosts wrapped up an impressive Group A campaign by finishing first without conceding a single goal, following a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic.
Mexico broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when AZ Alkmaar midfielder Chávez produced a fine individual effort. Six minutes later, Quiñones capitalized on a defensive error and slotted into an empty net to double his side’s advantage.
In the 78th minute, legendary goalkeeper Ochoa replaced Rangel in a ceremonial substitution, making his sixth World Cup appearance and receiving a standing ovation from the crowd at the Azteca Stadium. Fidalgo put the finishing touch on Mexico’s victory in the fourth minute of stoppage time with a stunning strike to seal the 3-0 final score.
Lineups
Czech Republic (Koubek): Kovář, Holeš, Hranáč, Krejčí, Coufal, Šádek, Červ, Dudera, Šulc, Višinský, Hložek
Mexico (Aguirre): Rangel, Sánchez, Reyes, Montes, Chávez, Mora, Álvarez, Romo, Alvarado, Quiñones, Martínez
South Africa 1-0 South Korea
South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey in a match that offered little spectacle but ended in celebration for the African side.
After a largely uneventful first half, Bafana Bafana emerged determined to secure the win and qualification after the break. Their breakthrough came in the 63rd minute through Maseko, who calmly finished from inside the penalty area, placing the ball into Kim’s right-hand corner.
The goal proved decisive, earning South Africa a historic place in the Round of 32 and the first World Cup knockout-stage qualification in the nation’s history.
Lineups
South Africa (Broos): Williams, Modiba, Bokazi, Okon, Mudau, Sithole, Mbatha, Appollis, Mofokeng, Maseko, Magkopa
South Korea (Hong): Kim, H. Lee, Min-jae, G. Lee, Seol, Paik, Hwang, Tae-seok, Kang-in Lee, Hwang Hee, Hyeon
Results
June 25
Czech Republic 0-3 Mexico (Chávez 55’, Quiñones 61’, Fidalgo 90+4’)
June 25
South Africa 1-0 South Korea (Maseko 63’)
Standings
Mexico finishes first in Group A, followed by South Africa in second place. South Korea remains in contention for qualification as a third-placed team, while the Czech Republic is eliminated.
