Seeking to make it three wins from three at the 2026 World Cup, Mexico face the Czech Republic in their final Group A assignment on Thursday morning.
The co-hosts hit the ground running with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in this year’s curtain-raiser.
Javier Aguirre’s side followed that up with a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Korea.
Those two victories, combined with results elsewhere in the group, mean Mexico have already sealed their place in the knockout stages as well as top spot in Group A with a game to spare.
The Czech Republic, by contrast, arrive at this clash on the back of a 2-1 defeat to South Korea before being held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa.
As such, Miroslav Koubek’s side will almost certainly require victory in their final group game if they are to extend their stay in the competition.
How the bookies view it: Mexico to make it three from three
Despite having nothing other than pride to play for in this contest, Mexico are odds-on 10/11 favourites with bet365.
The Czech Republic, meanwhile, are big 13/5 outsiders with the same bookmaker, while the draw is priced up at 3/1.
More odds are available on our best mobile apps for World Cup betting.
Head to head: History book blank
The Czech Republic and Mexico will cross paths for the first time ever on matchday three. That can be attributed in part to the Czechs’ limited presence on the world stage, with this being their first appearance in two decades.
Players to watch: Third time lucky for Schick?
Patrik Schick will be looking to get off the mark at the third attempt at this year’s World Cup. The Czech Republic talisman is 15/8 for a goal or assist, which looks like good value in a match where the Czechs will likely need to take the game to their opponents.
Erik Lira has impressed in the midfield battleground for Mexico across their opening two matches. Lira has completed two tackles in each of his two Group A appearances and a repeat here catches the eye at 5/6 with bet365.
Predicted line-ups
With the exception of David Jurasek, the Czech Republic have a fully fit squad to choose from heading into this make-or-break clash.
As for Mexico, some rotation is expected given that they have already secured top spot in Group A. Cesar Montes is back in contention after serving a suspension against South Korea.
Czech Republic: Kovar; Holes, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Darida, Cerv, Sadilek, Sojka; Schick, Hlozek
Mexico: Rangel; Sanchez, Reyes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Gutierrez, Lira, Romo; Alvarado, Gimenez, Quinones
Anything else catch the eye?
Given the state of play in Group A, the Czech Republic look too big to ignore in the double chance market at 5/6 with bet365.
The Czechs have everything to play for here and could be facing an understrength Mexico side in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Another angle that appeals is under 2.5 goals at even-money, with that selection proving profitable in three of the two nations' combined four Group A fixtures to date.
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