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World Cup: Ochoa makes history with Mexico, South Korea stunned

Group A of the World Cup came to a conclusion in Monterrey and Mexico City on Wednesday night, with wins for the hosts over a hapless Czechia and for South Africa over South Korea.
E. DEVIN
Published on 06/25/2026 at 03:55
2-minute read
Former Ajaccio goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa came off the bench to feature in his record-tying sixth World Cup

Group A of the World Cup came to a conclusion in Monterrey and Mexico City on Wednesday night, with wins for the hosts over a hapless Czechia and for South Africa over South Korea.

Czechia 0-3 Mexico

In the Mexican capital, El Tri sealed top spot thanks to a comprehensive win over Czechia, who exit the tournament with a solitary point. Lyon winger Pavel Šulc was back in the eleven for Czechia, but failed to exert any meaningful influence on the game, while for Mexico, the entry of former AC Ajaccio goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in the 85th minute marked a historic moment. 

Already assured of first place in the group barring a wild swing in goal difference, Mexico started the match somewhat tentatively, and neither side had broken the deadlock by halftime. As he was for much of the match, teenage sensation Gilberto Mora was at the heart of much of what Mexico did well, breaking the lines ahead of Matéo Chavez's opener (55') and also being involved in the buildup as Luis Quiñones doubled the lead six minutes later. A third goal would come from Álvaro Fidalgo in added time, and Mexico ended group stage play with a perfect nine points, the first team to have done so thus far in the tournament. With the win, Mexico will next face a third place team in Mexico City on Monday.

South Korea 0-1 South Africa

In the group's other match, played in Monterrey, it was heartbreak for Paris Saint-Germain star Lee Kang-In and South Korea, who were undone by a goal just past the hour by South Africa's Thapelo Maseko. With the loss, Bafana Bafana surprisingly secured second place and a knockout match against Canada in the Round of 32 in Los Angeles next week, while the Koreans, who finished the group in third, will sweat the tournament's other results as they look to progress. 

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