World Cup 2026: Czechia in 3-4-2-1 against Mexico’s 4-3-3 at Estadio Azteca

Czechia face Mexico in Group A of the 2026 World Cup at Estadio Azteca, with Miroslav Koubek using a 3-4-2-1 and Javier Aguirre setting up in a 4-3-3.

Henry DONCHE

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On 25 Jun 2026 at 01:35 Updated 25 Jun 2026

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The Group A match at the 2026 World Cup between Czechia and Mexico will take place on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 02:00 (GMT+1) at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This clash comes in a context where both teams have already played their first two matches in this group stage, with Czechia on one point after a draw against South Africa and Mexico having won their two previous games.

The teams are lining up in distinct formations with strong tactical identities — Miroslav Koubek has chosen a 3-4-2-1 for Czechia, while Javier Aguirre has opted for an attacking 4-3-3 for Mexico. This tactical duel will be decisive in moving closer to qualification for the next round.

Individually, Czechia will have to cope without David Jurásek, who is ruled out through injury. Mexico, meanwhile, will be without the suspended César Montes. Those absences affect the defensive choices of both head coaches.

The official lineups show that each team is banking on a balance between experience and youth. This high-stakes match will largely determine the balance of power in Group A, especially in relation to South Africa and South Korea.

Reading Czechia’s XI

Czechia will play in a 3-4-2-1 under Miroslav Koubek. Matěj Kovář will be in goal, protected by a back three made up of Tomáš Holeš, Robin Hranáč and Ladislav Krejčí. The midfield is set up in a diamond shape with Vladimír Coufal, Michal Sadílek, Lukáš Červ and David Douděra on the flanks. Pavel Šulc and Denis Višinský will operate behind the attack, providing creativity and drive in support of Adam Hložek, the lone striker.

This setup allows Czechia to combine defensive solidity with attacking flexibility. The absence of David Jurásek influences the decision to use a reinforced central defense. The attacking tandem behind Hložek will aim to unsettle the Mexican defense with runs and quick combinations.

Reading Mexico’s XI

Javier Aguirre’s Mexico are relying on a classic 4-3-3 formation, with Raúl Rangel in goal. The defense will line up with Jorge Sánchez, Israel Reyes, César Montes and Mateo Chávez, although César Montes is suspended, which could change the central pairing.

In midfield, balance will be provided by Gilberto Mora, Edson Álvarez and Luis Romo. In attack, Roberto Alvarado, Guillermo Martínez and Julián Quiñones will make up the front three. This system encourages ball control and quick transitions on the counterattack.

The Mexican coach’s choices reflect a desire for attacking expansion while maintaining a solid protective layer in midfield. The selection of players with versatile profiles will encourage tactical adjustments during the match.

The starting lineups

Czechia

Formation3-4-2-1Head coachMiroslav Koubek

Starters11

1 Matěj Kovář Goalkeeper
3 Tomáš Holeš Defender
4 Robin Hranáč Defender
7 Ladislav Krejčí Defender
5 Vladimír Coufal Midfielder
18 Michal Sadílek Midfielder
12 Lukáš Červ Midfielder
21 David Douděra Midfielder
15 Pavel Šulc Forward
26 Denis Višinský Forward
9 Adam Hložek Forward

Substitutes14

16 Jindřich Staněk
23 Lukáš Horníček
6 Štěpán Chaloupek
2 David Zima
20 Jaroslav Zelený
24 Alexandr Sojka
25 Hugo Sochurek
22 Tomáš Souček
8 Vladimír Darida
10 Patrik Schick
11 Jan Kuchta
17 Lukáš Provod
19 Tomáš Chorý
13 Mojmír Chytil

Mexico

Formation4-3-3Head coachJavier Aguirre

Starters11

1 Raúl Rangel Goalkeeper
2 Jorge Sánchez Defender
15 Israel Reyes Defender
3 César Montes Defender
20 Mateo Chávez Defender
19 Gilberto Mora Midfielder
4 Edson Álvarez Midfielder
7 Luis Romo Midfielder
25 Roberto Alvarado Forward
22 Guillermo Martínez Forward
16 Julián Quiñones Forward

Substitutes15

12 Carlos Acevedo
13 Guillermo Ochoa
5 Johan Vásquez
23 Jesús Gallardo
6 Erik Lira
8 Álvaro Fidalgo
17 Orbelín Pineda
18 Obed Vargas
24 Luis Chávez
26 Brian Gutiérrez
10 Alexis Vega
21 César Huerta
9 Raúl Jiménez
11 Santiago Giménez
14 Armando González

Czech Republic

Upcoming 02:00 Estadio Azteca

Mexico

25/06/2026 02:00 Group A

Fil du match

Le fil du match s affichera au coup d envoi.

Group A schedule

View full schedule

Group A

Team	J	G	N	P	BP	BC	Diff	Pts
Mexico	2	2	0	0	3	0	3	6
South Korea	2	1	0	1	2	2	0	3
Czech Republic	2	0	1	1	2	3	-1	1
South Africa	2	0	1	1	1	3	-2	1