Mexico coach Javier Aguirre during a press conference ahead of his side’s game against Czechia. | Photo Credit: HENRY ROMERO

Despite securing top spot in Group A and guaranteeing home advantage in ​the World Cup knockout stage, Mexico has not played well ‌at the tournament so far, coach Javier Aguirre ​said on Tuesday.

“We haven’t played well in the ⁠matches we’ve been winning, I am not fully satisfied,” the 67-year-old coach conceded, noting defensive mistakes and a lack of consistency.

“When ‌we have been playing well we lose continuity... my focus for tomorrow is to see if ‌we are capable of maintaining 90 minutes in ‌a ⁠nearly perfect match.”

The co-host enters its final group ⁠match against Czechia with six points from two games, having beaten South Africa and South Korea without conceding a goal.

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In doing ​so, Mexico fulfilled a ‌crucial logistical goal: avoiding travel and ensuring it remains in front of its supporters in the nation’s capital for the knockout stage.

“It was very, very important; it ‌was a primary objective — the first one — to ​win the group,” Aguirre told reporters.

While Mexico is unbeaten and backed by a passionate home ⁠crowd, Czechia’s desire to advance could make for a complicated evening.

Aguirre may rotate his starting 11 to ‌rest key players, but said the hosts will need to maintain tactical discipline against a tall and physical squad.

“The first thing is not to commit unnecessary fouls,” Aguirre said.

The advantage of early qualification has sparked debate in the Mexican media over whether veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa ‌might be handed a starting role as a tribute after featuring ​in six World Cups.

Aguirre rejected the notion of handing out minutes for sentimental reasons, refusing ⁠to confirm his starting lineup.

“I have always said since I returned ⁠that whoever is here, is here on their own merit,” Aguirre said.

He praised the veteran’s current ‌fitness, noting Ochoa is actively competing for the spot and that any decision to play him would ​be based purely on form.

Published on Jun 24, 2026