<p>It is all-or-nothing for <strong>Czechia</strong> on the final matchday of the <strong>2026 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/">World Cup</a></strong> group stage as they square off against co-hosts <strong>Mexico</strong> in desperate pursuit of a vital victory. However, the biggest pre-match headline for the Europeans is a stunning one: forward <strong>Patrik Schick</strong> will not be on the pitch at the opening whistle.</p>



<p>Despite this being a decisive fixture where only a win can keep <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/czech-republic/">Czechia</a>‘s knockout hopes alive, coach <strong>Miroslav Koubek</strong> has made the bold decision to relegate Schick to the substitutes’ bench.</p>



<p>Stepping into the starting lineup in place of the Bayer Leverkusen striker is <strong>Adam Hlozek</strong>, who previously featured as a substitute in the opening-day defeat to South Korea before getting the nod to start in the 1-1 draw against South Africa.</p>



<p>In addition to the Czech striker’s absence, Koubek also opted to leave <strong>Tomas Soucek</strong> out of the starting lineup. The West Ham midfielder started in the tournament opener but was relegated to the bench for the second match.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="cs" dir="ltr">STARTING XI 🇨🇿🆚🇲🇽<br><br>Aztécký chrám odhalil jména základní sestavy proti Mexiku. 🛕🇲🇽 <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/ProTenhleMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProTenhleMoment</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/GB7GnkWk5M">pic.twitter.com/GB7GnkWk5M</a></p>— Česká fotbalová reprezentace (@ceskarepre_cz) <a href="https://x.com/ceskarepre_cz/status/2069927313773404309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>What Czechia needs to qualify for the Round of 32</h2>



<p>Czechia find theirselves in an incredibly precarious position heading into the final matchday of the group stage, facing a strict <strong>must-win scenario</strong> at Mexico City Stadium to keep their knockout stage dreams alive.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/world-cup/czechia-vs-mexico-projected-lineups-for-the-2026-world-cup-group-a-game/"></div>


<p>To have any hope of advancing to the Round of 32, Czechia must pull off an upset victory against Mexico while simultaneously cheering for <strong>South Africa to defeat South Korea in the parallel fixture</strong>. This combination would blow the group wide open, allowing them to vie for either second or third place in Group A.</p>



<p>Anything less than three points spells <strong>immediate elimination.</strong> A draw would leave the Czechs with a total of <strong>two points</strong>; while that could mathematically mirror a third-place finish depending on other results, a two-point tally will not be enough to advance via the tournament’s eight best third-place wild-card spots.</p>


Why isn’t Patrik Schick starting for Czechia against Mexico at the 2026 World Cup?

Why isn't Patrik Schick starting for Czechia against Mexico at the 2026 World Cup? - World Soccer Talk

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<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/raul-jimenez/"><strong>Raul Jimenez</strong></a> has been a fundamental piece in <strong>Mexico</strong>‘s path through the group phase at the <strong>2026 World Cup</strong>, serving as the primary striker leading El Tri’s frontline. However, for this Matchday 3 clash in Group A against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/czech-republic/"><strong>Czechia</strong></a>, <strong>Jimenez has been left out of the starting lineup</strong>.</p>



<p><strong>Jimenez will start on the bench for </strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mexico/"><strong>Mexico</strong></a><strong> due to a tactical decision by head coach Javier Aguirre</strong>. With six points already secured and the top spot in Group A firmly locked up, the Mexican manager has chosen to rotate his squad and give some much-needed rest to several of his key starters.</p>



<p>At the moment, Mexico sits at the top of the standings with six points after a 2-0 win against South Africa and a thrilling 1-0 victory over South Korea. With the Asian side in second with three points and Czechia in third with only one, <strong><em>El Tri</em> is now mathematically out of reach from any other team in Group A</strong>.</p>



<p>Instead, for Wednesday’s matchup against Czechia, Aguirre has opted for a lineup featuring <strong>Julian Quinones on the left wing, Roberto Alvarado on the right wing, and Guillermo Martinez as the starting striker</strong>. Consequently, the brand-new Wolverhampton Wanderers’ forward will have to wait for his chance to make an impact from the substitution bench later in the match.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/06/24201458/raul-jimenez-mexico-south-africa-1920x1080.webp" alt="Raul Jimenez of Mexico celebrates scoring against South Africa." class="wp-image-658711"><figcaption>Raul Jimenez of Mexico celebrates scoring against South Africa.</figcaption></figure>



<p>Thus far, Raul Jimenez started Mexico’s first two games against South Africa, where he scored a crucial header, and the match against South Korea. With 46 career international goals, <strong>he has officially tied Jared Borgetti as <em>El Tri</em>‘s second-highest all-time goalscorer</strong> and now trails the record of Javier “<em>Chicharito</em>” Hernandez, who leads with 52.</p>


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<h2>Mexico still waiting for its next opponent</h2>



<p>With the top spot untouchable, Aguirre made the choice to field a heavily rotated lineup against Czechia while the team awaits its next <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup/"><strong>World Cup</strong></a> opponent in the Round of 32. Returning to Estadio Azteca in Mexico City as the host venue, <strong>the next high-stakes game for <em>El Tri</em> is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30th</strong>.</p>



<p>According to the tournament bracket, Mexico will face a third-place team advancing from Group C, E, F, H, or I. As the tables currently stand, <strong>that opponent would be Scotland</strong>, who finished third in Group C with three points, though their ticket to the knockout stage is not yet officially guaranteed due to a minus-three goal difference.</p>


Why isn’t Raul Jimenez starting for Mexico against Czechia at the 2026 World Cup?

Why isn't Raul Jimenez starting for Mexico against Czechia at the 2026 World Cup? - World Soccer Talk

<p>Portugal’s thrilling, stomach-turning, come-from-behind victory against Czechia felt more like a loss for Roberto Martinez and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/portugal-national-team-tv-schedule/">Portugal</a>. Sure, Portugal took home all three points against one of the tournament’s trickier teams. And yes, they did show incredible resolve to claw back from a one-goal deficit against a frustrating low block. They bombarded <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/czech-republic-national-team-tv-schedule/">Czechia</a> with several crosses, creating chance after chance, and they can count themselves unlucky to not score more than two on the night.</p>



<p>But, there were times when Portugal seemed confusing and unpredictable to themselves. Chaotic, even. There was a limited understanding of which role each player should play, especially with the hodge-podge starting lineup Martinez chose for the game. Natural wingback Nuno Mendes at center-back? Joao Cancelo drifting as far out as at left wing? The shape Martinez planned out for the game fell to virtual pieces during the game, and it seemed Portugal relied on their quality and technical superiority to scrape by, rather than their tactical intelligence and patience. Their dodgy showing invited many questions, and the win didn’t bring any answers.</p>



<p>“Today it’s not about assessing this game from the technical or tactical point of view,” Martinez <a href="https://www.soccernews.com/turkiye-v-portugal-resilience-and-belief-crucial-for-selecao-says-martinez/372899/">told</a> reporters after the match. “Today we won because we showed resilience, willpower, and belief. It’s the first time we’ve come from behind to win [under my tenure]. Today we believed, and we showed incredible personality.”</p>



<p>Although leadership and motivation from the Portugal squad helped ignite the flames of their comeback, Martinez and the Selecao face important questions about their tournament chances after such a worrying performance.</p>



<h2>Martinez’s tactics look confusing</h2>



<p>The Portugal starting eleven was shrouded in doubt entering their date with Czechia. Martinez used two distinctly different shapes with different personnel in their two pre-Euros friendlies. Even after Portugal announced their starting eleven hours before the match, it was still a mystery about which roles each player would take.</p>



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<p>Number one keeper Diogo Costa started the match. Martinez dropped left-footed center-back Goncalo Inacio, <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/liverpool-stance-goncalo-inacio-transfer-095700344.html">courted</a> by the likes of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">United</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a>, for natural left-back Nuno Mendes. Mendes joined Ruben Dias and Pepe on the left of a three-man back line. Martinez also dropped Joao Palhinha, who impressed on the left side of a double pivot with Vitinha. Instead, Martinez opted to start Diogo Dalot and Joao Cancelo as wingbacks, with Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes as the central midfielders.</p>



<p>Rafael Leao got the start on the left wing, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva at the front.</p>



<p>Martinez had his team play fluidly, or disorderly, depending on how you look at it. Portugal’s players had creative license to drift into spots if they saw a benefit. Early on, we saw supposed ‘left wing-back’ Cancelo drift into kickstart quick attacks or wander into the middle and free up Leao. Although his performance seemed squarely average in terms of numbers, his presence helped free up attackers, creating space to launch quick crosses or counters. </p>



<p>“We wanted to have Joao Cancelo play a horizontal line,” Martinez <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5572078/2024/06/19/portugal-roberto-martinez-euro-2024-tactics/">said</a>. “We wanted an extra man with&nbsp;Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Vitinha.”</p>



<h2>Mixing up traditional positions</h2>



<p>Mendes also took off on blistering runs through the middle, meaning inverted wing-back Cancelo or defensive midfield Vitinha would drop deep to take his place. Mendes, who played well at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">PSG</a>, shared spaces with Leao. At times, it helped Portugal overpower the wing with their numbers advantage, but it usually resulted in the wing getting jammed. Although Leao started well, creating several chances for Ronaldo and crew, his performance faded as Mendes continued on his marauding runs.</p>



<p>“Playing as a left-sided centre-back? I had never played in that position, and it’s true that I can’t attack so much, but the coach put me there for a reason,” Mendes shrugged. “I managed to do my job. Both me and the team did a good job and the victory was deserved.”</p>



<p>Ruben Dias and Pepe were the more reliable members of the backline in that they usually stayed back. The 41-year-old Pepe did a solid job in possessing the ball, circulating it, and completing several long balls, while Dias performed the same role. Arguably one of the best defenders in Europe, Dias did get upfield from time to time, but usually kept next to Pepe.</p>



<h2>Vitinha thrills for Portugal against Czechia</h2>



<p>The midfield was where Portugal excelled. Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes were the only out-and-out midfielders of the group, but Bernardo Silva would often come down from his right-winger role to help create for Portugal.</p>



<p>Vitinha put in a Man of the Match performance in the #6 slot. Despite playing in a very deep role behind more creative players like Fernandes and Silva, he shone. He made 20 line-breaking passes during the match — only Toni Kroos’ game against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/scotland-national-team-tv-schedule/">Scotland</a> beats it. The PSG midfielder put in an excellent defensive performance while kickstarting most of Portugal’s attacks. Throughout the match, when Fernandes and Silva couldn’t provide a creative spark, it was Vitinha who stepped up.</p>



<p>Fernandes’ performance was similarly intriguing but for the wrong reason. Martinez pushed Fernandes out to a deeper role than he was used to, and he struggled because of it. Fernandes, usually the primary creator and attacking midfielder for United, was resigned to helping build up the play alongside Vitinha. He was able to make more big runs into the box, and his absence as a goalscoring threat was sorely felt throughout the match.</p>



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<p>Silva also similarly struggled on the wing. He’s best in the creator role, launching deep balls to streaking wingers, usually cutting inside. However, Martinez had Silva playing up top and making runs onto the balls he would usually send. Silva was a nonfactor offensively when in those advanced areas, and it left Ronaldo in the box without any support.</p>



<p>“We threw more players in the box which I think was what was missing in the first half as we had few players to finish off our moves,” Silva said. “When Chico [Conceicao], [Diogo] Jota, [Pedro] Neto came on, they gave us this.”</p>



<h2>Is Ronaldo still Portugal’s man?</h2>



<p>With Cancelo pushed out to foreign territory, Fernandes and Silva out of their usual roles, and Leao struggling in the wing, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo would have a tough time. Although Ronaldo played his usual role as a poacher in the penalty box, he often came out of that role. He voyaged outside of the final third to link up play with the wing.</p>



<p>The game plan on the pitch looked like ‘get Ronaldo the ball in the box’. He’s arguably Portugal’s only reliable finisher out of the starting lineup and he’s proven himself to be reliable in front of goal. He scored 12 goals in 12 games under Martinez.</p>



<p>But, Ronaldo suffered without any support in the box. The lack of attacking players upfield meant Ronaldo was isolated. It was only until Martinez sent more players upfield and added more attackers that Ronaldo could excel. His best moment for Portugal was when Czechia’s defense, preoccupied with Leao, didn’t notice Ronaldo making a run. Fernandes sent Ronaldo a great through-ball that sent him one-on-one with the keeper, but he couldn’t convert.</p>



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<p>Portugal’s success only came when several people went into the box. Robin Hranac’s own goal started when Nuno Mendes latched on to a Vitinha cross and forced a great save. Over seven people were in the box at the time. Francisco Conceicao’s stoppage-time winner saw six people in the box. The attack was largely exposed and isolated due to the unfamiliarity of Martinez’s shape. His substitutions of Pedro Neto (who assisted the winning goal) and Francisco Conceicao (who scored) were vital, and it looked like an attack should.</p>



<h2>Is Martinez that bad for Portugal?</h2>



<p>Truthfully, Portugal is lucky to score their two goals against Czechia. The first was a clumsy own-goal from Hranac; the second was a clumsy error from the same player. Although they did create some chance, Portugal looked tepid at times, controlling possession but not knowing what to do with it. Martinez’s tactics almost sabotaged this team, especially because he implemented his fluid shape midway through the tournament.</p>



<p>However, Portugal is playing the most exciting and beautiful soccer it has in years. It’s a refreshing change from the cynicism and predictability under Fernando Santos, and they’ve played more direct than ever. At its best, Portugal plays with the same attacking threat as Europe’s superpowers, and they showed a glimpse of their prowess against Czechia.</p>



<p>Portugal’s free-flowing football can only grow from here. </p>



<p>But, of course, it can only grow with improvement. No one is truly familiar with their roles for Portugal, and it showed against Czechia. Bruno Fernandes needs to play a more advanced role. Silva needs to cut inside more or play a creative role. Martinez needs to figure out an answer to the dilemma surrounding Leao and Mendes, who largely flopped. </p>



<p>The biggest question of all is Ronaldo, who didn’t have a big impact but is their only reliable striker. As it stands, Portugal is nowhere near the likes of Germany, Spain, or the injury-riddled France. They face the same questions as England, undergoing their lineup crisis; or Italy, figuring out their conservative playstyle. </p>



<p>Until Portugal solves their issues with their playstyle, they are doomed to another early exit. The cycle continues.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>


Portugal defeats Czechia despite Martinez's uninspired tactics

Portugal beat Czechia 2-1 in their opening match of Euro 2024. However, the team looked far from dominant.

Portugal beat Czechia but its tactics were uninspiring - World Soccer Talk

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<p>To close out the first matchday of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-european-championship-tv-schedule/">Euro 2024</a>, Czechia almost pulled off another stunning upset over Portugal. With half an hour to play, Czechia had a one-goal lead, despite Portugal dominating the control of the ball and coming close on several occasions. Yet, it was the Portuguese to score two late goals, including one in the second minute of stoppage time, to secure three points. </p>



<p>Portugal is one of the favorites of the tournament. Despite having the lion’s share of possession and firing off 19 shots by the final whistle, it was far from an impressive performance. Roberto Martinez’s starting XI included all the traditional names for Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo was up top, becoming the first player to appear in six European Championships. Rafael Leao and Bernardo flanked the star man, and a talented midfield sat behind. Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha had wingbacks Diogo Dalot and Joao Cancelo. All that talent failed to muster a sizeable number of scoring chances for Portugal. </p>



<p>Cristiano Ronaldo had the best chance for much of the game. He had two shots on target in the first 45 minutes. On both occasions, Czech goalkeeper Jindřich Staněkwas equal to the legend. In comparison, Czechia did not have a shot on target in the first half. That did not stop it from opening the scoring though.</p>



<p>In the 62nd minute of the game, Czechia finally had a shot on target. From just outside the area, a cutback pass to Lukas Provod allowed the midfielder to hit the ball first time. His right-footed shot curled away from Diogo Costa in the Portugal net. The ball glanced off the inside of the post to give Czechia a surprise lead.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/16040850/Provod-goal-1200x670-1200x670.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-512349" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<h2>Portugal manages inspired comeback against Czechia</h2>



<p>Perhaps going behind provided Portugal with the impetus to push forward. Six minutes after Czechia broke the deadlock, Portugal had an equalizer. While one team’s goal was a sumptuous finish, the other’s was a scrappy mess. Regardless, they all count the same. A Nuno Mendes header at the end of Vitinha’s cross was put into a dangerous area. Czechia goalkeeper Staněkwas went to parry the ball instead of smothering it. That put it on a path for Robin Hranac. The ball bounced off the defender and into the Czechia net for a tie game. </p>



<p>In the 87th minute, it looked like Portugal had a winner. Ronaldo centered a header off a cross into a dangerous area. Diogo Jota, a second-half substitute, was the first to pounce as he bundled the ball in. A VAR review showed that Ronaldo was a shoulder’s length offside, and the goal did not stand.</p>



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<p>No matter for Portugal, though. Five minutes after its disallowed goal, the Iberian nation had one that would stand and prove to be the winner. Less than two minutes after coming on, Francisco Conceicao was at the end of a Pedro Neto pass. The Czech defense failed to deal with the pass, and Conceicao slammed the ball home to provide Portugal with a win. </p>



<p>It was not a pretty win in Roberto Martinez’s major international tournament debut with Portugal. Yet, it is a win, and Portugal is one step closer to another spot in the knockout stages of the European Championship. Still, there are ample areas to clean up if the squad wants to repeat its success of 2016.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>



<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Euro 2024</h3>
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Here are some resources to get you ready for Euros!</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/euro-2024-bracket-20231204-WST-473367.html"><strong>Euro Bracket:</strong></a> Download a free <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/euro-2024-bracket-20231204-WST-473367.html">PDF bracket</a> for the tournament</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-european-championship-tv-schedule/"><strong>Euro 2024 Schedule:</strong></a> Full schedule of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-european-championship-tv-schedule/">all games</a> for the 2024 tournament</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/how-to-watch-euro-2024-on-us-tv"><strong>How to watch:</strong></a> Information on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/how-to-watch-euro-2024-on-us-tv">where to find the games</a> on TV and streaming</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-to-stream-euro-2024-20240107-WST-481041.html"><strong>How to Stream</strong></a> Learn how you can <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-to-stream-euro-2024-20240107-WST-481041.html">stream Euro games</a> live in 2024</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/euro-2024-qualifying-ends-as-teams-learn-their-respective-pots-20231121-WST-471718.html"><strong>Qualifying:</strong></a> Get the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/euro-2024-qualifying-ends-as-teams-learn-their-respective-pots-20231121-WST-471718.html">breakdown on how qualifying shook out</a></div>
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Portugal survives Czechia scare with stoppage-time winner

To close out the first matchday of Euro 2024, Czechia almost pulled off another stunning upset over Portugal.

Latest news from Czechia. Find out about all the news related to Czechia on worldsoccertalk.com

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