Soucek stretchered off with knee injury as Czech Republic fall to Mexico at World Cup

Tomas Soucek appeared to suffer a serious knee injury during the Czech Republic’s 3-0 defeat to World Cup hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, leaving the West Ham midfielder stretchered off the pitch in the 26-year-old nation’s opening group-stage fixture.

The incident occurred as Soucek, 31, attempted to close down Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. The midfielder collapsed in agony after seemingly rolling his ankle beneath him, with teammates immediately rushing to his aid. Referee Yael Falcon Perez halted play while medical staff sprinted onto the field.

Soucek initially hobbled off the pitch under his own power for further assessment, but was subsequently carried away on a stretcher from the sideline — a sight that will concern both the Czech Republic coaching staff and West Ham in equal measure.

The extent of the injury has not yet been confirmed, but the manner in which Soucek left the field raised immediate fears over the severity of the damage. A central figure in West Ham’s midfield, his potential absence would represent a significant setback for the London club as they push for Premier League promotion.

Mexico, playing in front of their home support at the iconic Azteca Stadium, ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in a result that leaves the Czech Republic facing an uphill battle in the group stage. The full diagnosis on Soucek’s condition is expected once medical assessments are completed.