Czech Republic and Mexico Win Final Warm-Up Matches Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

As the 2026 World Cup qualifiers approach, South Korea's Group A opponents, the Czech Republic and Mexico, have concluded their final preparatory matches with decisive victories. The Czech national football team, South Korea's first opponent on June 12, secured a 3-1 win against Guatemala in New Jersey.

This victory marks the second consecutive win for the Czech Republic, currently ranked 41st by FIFA. They had previously defeated Kosovo 2-1 on June 1. Against Guatemala, the Czechs dominated possession and utilized their aerial advantage. Tomas Hory, standing at 199 cm, scored the winning goal in the 72nd minute with a header from a David Doudera cross. Denis Visinsky sealed the victory in the 79th minute by capitalizing on a defensive error and pressing the goalkeeper.

However, the Czech defense showed some vulnerabilities. In the 40th minute, while leading 1-0, a lapse in the defensive line allowed Guatemala's William Fajardo to equalize with a right-footed shot after a counter-attack exposed the space behind the defense.

Meanwhile, Mexico, considered the favorite to top Group A and ranked 15th globally, delivered a resounding 5-1 victory over Serbia (ranked 39th) in Toluca. This impressive scoring performance is Mexico's first time netting five or more goals since 2019. After conceding the opening goal in the 19th minute, Johan Vasquez equalized with a header in the 34th minute. Mexico took a 2-1 lead just before halftime due to an own goal by Serbia.

In the second half, Raul Jimenez extended Mexico's lead to 3-1 in the 57th minute. Serbia then scored another own goal 15 minutes later, and Luis Chavez added a final goal just before the end of the match, completing the rout.

South Korea is scheduled to face the Czech Republic on June 12 and Mexico on June 19, both matches taking place in Guadalajara. Their final group stage match against South Africa will be held in Monterrey on June 25.