Koubek Confident Czechs Can Upset Mexico at Azteca Despite World Cup Record

Czech Republic need result vs Mexico as Koubek demands better finishing

Czech coach Koubek says his team must improve after losing leads to South Korea and South Africa. They face an unbeaten Mexico side at Azteca with knockout hopes on the line.

“We know their successes are really fascinating. It's a great success and we really do respect that...”

Czech Republic coach Miroslav Koubek says his team should block out Mexico’s strong World Cup record at the Azteca. He wants them to stay focused on their own goal of making the knockout round when they face Mexico in a key Group A match on Wednesday.

Mexico are already through and guaranteed top spot in the group. Wins over South Africa and South Korea sealed their progress before this final game.

For the Czech Republic the game is still do-or-die. They’ve picked up just one point from their first two matches, so they need a result to stay alive in the tournament.

Mexico, the co-hosts, haven’t conceded yet and will have another full Azteca crowd behind them. The stadium has been a fortress for Mexico in World Cups - unbeaten in eight games, with six wins and two draws across 1970, 1986 and 2026.

Koubek knows it’s a huge test, but he said his players can’t get caught up in Mexico’s history at the Azteca. They have to focus on their own task.

“We know their successes are really fascinating. It's a great success and we really do respect that. We have great respect for Mexican football ⁠and also for Mexican fans,” Koubek told reporters on Tuesday.

“However, we need to focus on what we need to do. We have to get the necessary points, otherwise we will drop out of the World Cup.”

Even in a tough spot, Koubek said his players still believe they can get a result.

“Miracles do happen and nothing is impossible in football. That's our approach,” he said. “We can't think about these facts right now and we have to follow our dream as best as we can.”

Krejci Backs Czech Experience

  

Captain Ladislav Krejci said the team will lean on the confidence from March’s playoffs. They beat Ireland and Denmark then to book their spot at the World Cup, and he wants that same belief against Mexico.

“We have to score, that's clear,” he said.

“We need to be stronger in the game, stronger in the combinations and have bigger possession of the ball. ⁠We are not very happy ⁠about what happened so far ‌and we want to improve.”

Koubek admitted the Czechs have to be better at closing games out. They let leads slip in both earlier matches against South Korea and South Africa.