Reader Justin writes in…
I’m sorry Alex, but the reason FIFA gave for kicking Merlin the duck out of the Azteca just doesn’t fly. Methinks. the suits were too busy feathering their own nest to take the time to play host to one of the tournament’s biggest stars. Still, it’s probably water off Merlin’s back to be shunned by such peacocks.
The quality of our reader emails is in full flight already!
10min: Wow, a big chance for Mexico. Edson Álvarez wins the ball, Romo has a window to shoot, but he puts it out wide. the move comes to nothing.
8 min: An early chance for Czechia! A deflected ball falls kindly for Denis Višinský, but his attempt on goal rolls agonizingly wide.
5 min: We have a short stoppage as Ladislav Krejčí looks to have suffered a head injury. He’s back up now and seems to be fine.
4 min: Are those “ole”s I’m hearing? In the fourth minute? A very confident Mexican crowd tonight (and rightfully so).
2 min: Mexico is wearing white tonight. They never look quite right to me when they’re wearing any color other than green at home. But I understand why they’re doing it – Czechia is wearing red,. red/green color blindness is a thing to account for.
1 min: We are under way!
Mexico is playing a rotated side, with five changes. Keep an eye on Gilberto Mora.
The 17-year-old has been hugely impressive in his early appearances for El Tri,. he gets the start today as they look to maintain momentum.
Seeing Estadio Azteca (AKA Estadio Ciudad de Mexico) lit up. in great voice like this, it really drives home what a shame it is that it won’t host any more World Cup games after the Round of 16.
Such a gargantuan, iconic venue.
OK readers, how do you think this one is going to go? Will Mexico keep the good momentum going? Will Czechia do enough to progress? You can send me an email using that handy link up there at the top.
Here come the anthems! Expect Mexico’s to be rousing as usual. It’s among my favorites in international football.
A reminder of the stakes in El Tri’s final game before the knockout round…
Mexico are through as group winners and will face a third-placed team from Group C, E, F, H or I.
Czechia would progress to the Round of 32 in second if they beat Mexico, and South Africa beat South Korea.
Czechia can still qualify from third place, but that remains to be seen.
Confused yet? So am I. This breakdown helped.
I am writing this to you from beautiful sunny Los Angeles, California, where unsurprisingly there are a LOT of Mexico jerseys out. about. And there’s your local color for the night.
With a place in the knockout stages guaranteed, Mexico have made four changes. Gilberto Mora, who is around 13-years-old gets the start, but promises be home in time to tidy his room. do his homework.
Mexico: Raul Rangel. Jorge Sanchez, Cesar Montes, Edson Alvarez, Israel Reyes, Mateo Chavez, Luis Romo, Gilberto Mora, Julian Quinones, Guillermo Martinez, Roberto Alvarado.
Czechia: Matej Kovar. Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Vladimir Coufal, Ladislav Krejci, David Doudera, Lukas Cerv, Michal Sadilek, Adam Hlozek, Pavel Sulc, Denis Visinsky.
More Merlin news! It appears the faceless officials at Fifa have ruined his dreams of World Cup glory. This from AP:
Merlín was granted access to the Azteca Stadium grounds to film a segment with Televisa. one of Latin America’s largest television networks. Under strict security protocols, Merlín traveled comfortably inside a transport crate, accompanied by owner Carla Gómez. her son Cristian, as curious fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the tournament’s most unexpected star. However. he could not remain for the match, as Fifa regulations prohibit animals from entering venues in order to safeguard their well-being.
Of course, the biggest Mexican news of the tournament has happened already. The team could go out in the last-32 and the important targets would still have been achieved:
Czechia face a tough route to reach the next round – they need a win today. for other results to go their way. But they’ll always have a claim on a piece of footballing history:
Brazil have sealed their place as group winners after beating Scotland – Morocco finished second thanks to their win over Haiti. That means El Tri would face a quarter-final with Brazil in Miami if both teams progress to the quarter-finals. Mexico will play their last-32 game in Mexico City after guaranteeing their place at the top of the group with their win over South Korea. If they win their last-32 game they’ll play their next match at the Azteca too – then any further games would take place in the US.
Mexico have sealed their place in the next round, and the team is changing, along with the country. Raul Vilchis reports from Mexico City:
In a March night in Guadalajara in 2024, Club América were winning El Clásico Nacional. Julián Quiñones, their star player, had scored and headed toward the sideline. Then a shout at Quiñones, who is Black, rang out from the stands. ¡Puto negro! A racial slur.
Moments later, monkey noises were heard in the stands. The scene was familiar to anyone who follows Mexican soccer. Cell phone videos captured it. Commentators analyzed it the next day. Officials condemned it. Investigations were announced. For a few days, the Mexican game went through its ritual of shock.
Then the season continued. Another match, another transfer rumor, another refereeing controversy. That June, Quiñones moved to Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, where he would become the league’s top scorer. The incident was lost in the vast archive of soccer’s weekly dramas. Or so it seemed.
Less than two years later, another Mexican stadium produced another uproar. This time it was a celebration.
On 11 June. Quiñones scored Mexico’s first goal in the 2026 World Cup, the opening triumph in a tournament played on home soil for the first time in four decades. Tens of thousands rose to their feet. Television commentators chanted his name. Images of the striker draped in the Mexican flag flooded social media. The same culture that had publicly denigrated him hailed him as a national hero.
You can read the full report below:
Alex will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s what’s left to play for in the group:
Mexico are through as group winners and will face a third-placed team from Group C, E, F, H or I. South Korea could match their points total but Mexico beat them so would be top on head-to-head.
South Korea would guarantee qualification with a win or draw against South Africa.
Czechia would progress in second if they beat Mexico, South Africa beat South Korea. they ultimately finish above South Africa. Should they win and finish third they may have a route.
South Africa progress in second if they beat South Korea and ultimately finish above Czechia. Should the win and finish third they may have a route.
You can read more about the permutations at the World Cup here:
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