Mexico and Czech Republic End First Half 0-0 in Tight World Cup Qualifier

Mexico and the Czech Republic played to a scoreless first half, extending a tight contest in Group A of the 2026 North Central America World Cup qualifying. The teams met at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, with kickoff at 10 a.m. local time (10 a.m. Korean time) on June 25, and ended the opening 45 minutes 0-0. Mexico rotated heavily and started in a 4-3-3, featuring Roberto Alvarado, Guillermo Martínez and Julián Quiñones up front, while Raúl Rangel guarded the net. The Czech Republic used a 3-4-3 with Adam Hložek, Pavel Schick and Denis Višinský, and goalkeeper Matěj Kovář. Both sides struggled to turn possession into clear chances, including a Mexico overhead attempt by Israel Reyes that went wide in the 36th minute. Late efforts, including Quiñones’ long shot over the bar, produced no breakthrough. The result mattered for South Korea’s knockout hopes.