Julian Quinones (L) of Mexico celebrates his goal during a group A match between the Czech Republic and Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 24, 2026. (Photo: Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

MEXICO CITY, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Manager of the Czech Republic Miroslav Koubek said Wednesday he would not resign after a 3-0 loss to Mexico that eliminated his team from the World Cup.

After an even first half, Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo scored second-half goals as Mexico ended the group stage with three wins from three matches.

The Czech Republic finished last in Group A, having also lost to South Korea and drawn with South Africa.

"I have a contract," Koubek told a post-match news conference at Mexico City Stadium. "I never give up any fight. That's not what I do and I will definitely fulfill my contract."

The 74-year-old acknowledged Mexico's superiority but lamented mistakes in the second half that allowed the co-host to take control of the match.

"Let me congratulate Mexico on today's win," he said. "Their performance was good. Nevertheless, I think we made it easy for Mexico, easier than it should have been.

"We had a big chance at the beginning but in the second half we made some stupid mistakes and Mexico was able to capitalize on our errors."

Koubek was appointed manager in December and led the team to its first World Cup in 20 years after playoff victories over Ireland and Denmark.

He said he and his players would learn from the experience and vowed to come back stronger.

"We played very well as a team but in certain aspects we were lagging behind, especially in our attack," he said.

"I think it was a huge success that we qualified for the World Cup. It was a long journey and a long process, and I'm convinced that after making some changes we'll be able to do better next time."