Despite securing top spot in Group A and guaranteeing home advantage in the World Cup knockout stages, Mexico has not played well in the tournament so far, coach Javier Aguirre said on Tuesday.
“We have not played well in the games we have won, I am not completely satisfied,” the 67-year-old coach admitted, noting defensive errors and a lack of consistency.
«If we have played well, we lose continuity… My focus for tomorrow is to see if we are able to last 90 minutes in an almost perfect match.»
The co-hosts go into their final group match against the Czech Republic 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: to avoid travel and ensure its supporters remain in the country’s capital for the knockout stages.
«It was very, very important; it was a main goal – the first one – to win the group,» Aguirre told reporters.
While Mexico are undefeated and supported by a passionate home crowd, the Czech Republic’s desire to progress could make for a complicated evening.
Aguirre may rotate his team to rest key players, but said the hosts will have to maintain tactical discipline against a tall and physical side.
“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 could be given a starting role as a tribute after playing in six World Cups.
Aguirre dismissed the idea of handing out minutes for sentimental reasons and declined to confirm his starting lineup.
“Since I returned, I have always said that whoever is here is here on their own merit,” Aguirre said.
He praised the veteran’s current fitness, noting that Ochoa is actively competing for the spot and that any decision to play him would be purely based on form.
Published on June 24, 2026
