Czechia can secure qualification for the World Cup round of 32 with a win over co-hosts Mexico tonight.
Miroslav Koubek’s side would’ve perhaps expected more than a solitary point gained from games against South Korea and South Africa and may come to rue not beating Bafana Bafana last time out.
Mexico are already through and must tread a fine balance between giving players ample rest and not losing momentum as they head into the knockout rounds.
Where to watch Czechia v Mexico: TV channel, live online streams
Kick-off on Thursday is at 02:00 BST (21:00 ET / 18:00 PT). In the UK, live coverage is on BBC One.
Streaming on a vast range of devices is available through the BBC iPlayer app and BBC Sport website.
World Cup 2026: Czechia v Mexico stats
- Czechia are at the World Cup for the 10th time, including eight participations as Czechoslovakia in the previous century, losing the final in 1934 and 1962
- This is their second participation this century, after being eliminated in the 2006 group stage
- They have been eliminated in five of their seven World Cup group stages, only progressing in 1962 and 1990
- Eleven of Czechia’s 22 goals in the qualifiers came from set plays, including a European-high seven from corners
- Miroslav Koubek started as Czechia head coach in December 2025, after they finished second in their qualifying group behind Croatia; both of their play-off ties against Republic of Ireland and Denmark ended 2-2 after 120 minutes, winning both on penalties
- Mexico are hosting the World Cup for a record third time, having previously staged the tournament in 1970 and 1986
- They hold the record for the most World Cup matches played without winning the title, having contested 60 games without lifting the trophy
- The 2026 tournament will be Mexico’s 18th World Cup and ninth consecutive appearance – their best performances were in 1970 and 1986 (quarter-finals)
- Only Panama’s Ismael Diaz (6) scored more goals at the 2025 Gold Cup than Mexico centre-back Cesar Montes (3), all of which were from corners, while recording the second-most interceptions (10) and second-best aerial duel win rate (75% – 12/16 – from a minimum of 15)
- Javier Aguirre is leading Mexico at a World Cup for the third time, after 2002 and 2010, which both ended in round of 16 exits. Among head coaches at the 2026 tournament, only France’s Didier Deschamps will have managed at more editions for the same national team
