With a place in the knockout rounds secured, Mexico can afford changes, but finishing top of the group remains a significant incentive.

Carlos Zepeda

World Cup 2026

Aguirre has Mexico plan B ready for the Czechia group finale

Mario Guerrero Calum Roche

Update: Jun 23rd, 2026 04:53 EDT

Make us preferred on Google

Mexico has won its opening two World Cup games for only the third time in its history. Unlike at the 2002 and 2018 tournaments, however, six points are already enough to guarantee a place in the round of 32, giving Javier Aguirre more flexibility ahead of the final group-stage game against Czechia.

With qualification secured, the Mexico coach is expected to rotate parts of his lineup. While progression is no longer at risk, the result could still influence the difficulty of the opponent awaiting El Tri in the knockout stage. That balance between preserving key players and maintaining momentum will shape Aguirre’s selection decisions.

Mexico’s Ochoa unlikely to replace Rangel

One of the main talking points surrounds the goalkeeping position. Guillermo Ochoa remains available, but Raúl Rangel appears likely to keep his place. Aguirre has repeatedly defended the young goalkeeper’s performances in his press conferences, acknowledging moments of nervousness, particularly against South Africa, while emphasizing that experience and playing time will help him grow.

Rangel has also recorded back-to-back clean sheets, making it difficult to justify a change at this stage. Despite Ochoa’s vast World Cup pedigree, the coaching staff seems committed to giving Rangel continued opportunities.

Aguirre has Mexico plan B ready for the Czechia group finale — Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa takes part in training session.YURI CORTEZ

Changes expected in Mexico defense and midfield

At the back, César Montes is expected to return after serving the suspension he received following his red card against South Africa. On the left side of defense, Mateo Chávez could replace Jesús Gallardo. Chávez, along with Guillermo Martínez and Carlos Acevedo, remains among the few Mexico players yet to see action in the tournament.

In midfield, Brian Gutiérrez is unlikely to feature. Having already collected a yellow card, another booking would rule him out of the round of 32. Erik Lira, who has played all but 14 of Mexico’s 180 minutes so far, could also be rested, opening the door for Edson Álvarez to return to the starting lineup. Managing suspensions and workload has become a priority now that qualification is secured.

Fresh faces could arrive in Mexico attack

Mexico’s front three of Roberto Alvarado, Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones have started both games, although all three were substituted in each outing.

Santiago Giménez, Armando “Hormiga” González or Guillermo “Memote” Martínez could replace Jiménez at center forward, while César Huerta or Alexis Vega are candidates to come in for Quiñones. The one attacker widely expected to remain in the lineup is Alvarado, who has become one of Aguirre’s most trusted performers. The coaching staff may view the Czechia game as an opportunity to sharpen squad depth before the knockout rounds begin.

Projected Mexico XI vs Czechia

Raúl Rangel; Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Mateo Chávez; Edson Álvarez, Álvaro Fidalgo, Luis Romo or Luis Chávez; Santiago Giménez, Roberto Alvarado, and César Huerta or Alexis Vega.