The Czech Republic faces Mexico this Wednesday (24), at 10pm (Brasília time), at the Azteca Stadium, urgently needing a victory to continue with its chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Mexico, already guaranteed in the round of 16 as leader of Group A, is a big favorite in the predictions.
The Mexicans have six points with two wins and solid defense. Against a Czechia that has just one point, the tendency is for the home team to triumph. Bookmakers place Mexico as the clear favorite, with odds of around 1.80 to 2.00 for victory, while the Czech underdog pays over 4.00. The draw appears quoted close to 3.40.
Best guesses and odds
- Mexico victory: Safer option. Javier Aguirre’s team seeks to close the stage with 100% success and can use the support of the Azteca fans to impose pace.
- Both score (BTTS): Good call at odds close to 1.90. Czechia must expose itself behind the result and Mexico has offensive power to explore spaces.
- Over 2.5 goals: Plausible, with a quote of around 2.10, considering the Czech need to attack.
- Most likely score: 2-1 or 2-0 for Mexico.
Lineups and tactical factors
Czechia (3-4-2-1): Kovar; Holes, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Cerv, Sadilek, Doudera; Sulc, Visinsky; Hlozek. Absence: Jurasek (injury).
Mexico (4-3-3): Ochoa/Rangel; Sanchez, Alvarez, Vasquez, Gallardo; Romo, Pineda, Lira; Alvarado, Gimenez, Vega. Practically complete cast.
Czechia needs at least a two-goal difference to make life difficult for its rivals and depend on other results. Mexico, without pressure for points, can prioritize control and quick counterattacks.
History reinforces Mexican favoritism
In World Cups, Mexico got the better of the then Czechoslovakia in 1962. The only most recent meeting (2000) ended with a Czech victory in a friendly, but the current context favors El Tri due to their form and control of the field.
Where to watch live
Broadcast on CazéTV (YouTube), with complementary options on Globo, SporTV and Globoplay.