FIFA World Cup 2026: President Claudia Sheinbaum praises Mexico after 3-0 win over Czech Republic
Mexico City, June 25
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo congratulated the national football team after their commanding 3-0 win over the Czech Republic in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match, which sealed a perfect group-stage campaign.
In a post on X, Mexican President Sheinbaum praised the team's commitment, passion, and performance, expressing national pride in their achievement.
"Congratulations to our National Team! Your dedication, effort, and passion fill us with pride. Thank you for giving us so much joy and for representing Mexico with greatness. Let's go with everything we've got!" she wrote.
In its post match confratulatory message the Mexican Football Association praised the team as they look forward to the knockout round of the competition on home ground.
"Three matches, three wins for the first time in history! Historic Group Stage of our National Team. And we're ready for the Round of Sixteen! See you at the Estadio Ciudad de Mexico, Die-Hards," the Association posted on X.
Coming to the match, Mexico completed a dominant FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage campaign with a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic, securing three wins from three matches and finishing top of Group A. Already qualified for the Round of 32, the hosts played with confidence and took control in the second half after a goalless opening period.
Mateo Chavez opened the scoring early in the second half with a composed finish after breaking through the Czech defence, before Julian Quinones doubled the lead shortly after from close range. Ochoa was introduced late in the game, marking another milestone in his glittering World Cup career.
Mexico sealed the victory in stoppage time through Alvaro Fidalgo to complete a 3-0 win and maintain their perfect group-stage record. The result confirmed Mexico's top-place finish and momentum heading into the knockout rounds, while the Czech Republic were eliminated after failing to secure enough points to progress.
The match also marked a historic night for Memo Ochoa. The 40 year old goalkeeper who is at his sixth World Cup came on in the 77th minute with his side leading 2-0. He played his part with a forward pass that helped start the move for Mexico's third goal. Ochoa had earlier announced that this would be the final tournament of his career...and this means this could have been the last match he ever played.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm not a huge football fan, but seeing a president actually cheer for their national team like this is refreshing. In India, we rarely get such public sportsmanship from our leaders. Wish we had more of this energy for our own athletes.
India should take notes from Mexico's football development. They've produced world-class talent like Ochoa consistently, while we struggle to even qualify for the World Cup. Their investment in grassroots football is paying off. Let's hope our AIFF learns something from this.
I was actually at the game! The atmosphere was insane. Mexican fans are so passionate - they were singing and dancing the whole match. Ochoa coming on in his final World Cup was emotional. Reminded me of how we felt when Sunil Chhetri played his last match for India.
I'm conflicted - happy for Mexico but also thinking about the Czech Republic who got eliminated. Fair play to them though, they tried hard. And kudos to Sheinbaum for actually showing up and motivating the team. Our politicians could learn a thing or two about genuine sportsmanship support.
That third goal by Fidalgo was class! Mexico playing at home with this form - they could go all the way. Ochoa's career is legendary - six World Cups! That's more than most players have birthdays. 😂 Respect.
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