Co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico, headline Group A alongside the Korea Republic, Czechia, and South Africa.
Group A is expected to be a tightly contested group with three teams having a real chance at topping the group. South Africa is the only team that looks unlikely to win, but in the World Cup every match matters.
South Africa smell of a team that could spoil one of the other three teams chances to advance to the knockout rounds. Watch out for Korea to fly under the radar, and threaten Mexico for the top spot in the group.
The most exciting players to watch from Group A include Korean legend Son Heung-Min, and Mexico's 17-year-old future star Gilberto Mora.
Group A Teams
Nation | World Ranking | World Cup Appearance |
Mexico | 15 | 18 |
Korea Republic | 25 | 12 |
Czechia | 41 | 10 |
South Africa | 60 | 4 |
Mexico
Mexico have the most World Cup appearances (18) by a nation that has not lifted the trophy. Mexico has hosted the tournament twice (1970, 1986), and both times achieved their best ever finish by reaching the quarterfinals.
In the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Mexican National Team was eliminated in the group stage. Javier Aguirre's side which is led by Edson Alvarez and Raul Jimenez will be devasted if the team meets the same fate in 2026 as they did in 2022.
Korea Republic
Led by LAFC forward Son Heung-Min, the Korea Republic Men's National Team will be featuring in their 12th World Cup. 2026 will be the nation's 11th consecutive World Cup appearances, having been a dominant force in Asian soccer.
Korea has reached the knockout stage of the tournament three times (2002, 2010, 2022), including reaching the semifinal in 2002 as a co-host of the tournament. The Asian nation's talent up front make them a serious threat to top Group A.
Czechia
Czechia qualified for the 2026 World Cup by defeating Denmark in the UEFA playoffs on penalties.
Czechia will enter their 10th World Cup with Patrick Schick leading the line, and Tomas Soucek controlling the midfield. The Czech are a physical team who are happy to scrap out games rather than play a non-confrontational game.
South Africa
The "Bafana Bafana" have reached their fourth ever World Cup tournament after qualifying for the first time in 1998. South Africa qualified for the first time 16 years, after hosting the tournament in 2010.
South Africa finished above Nigeria in CAF's World Cup Qualifying Tournament proving that they can compete with the top teams. South Africa will be led by Lyle Foster and MLS winger Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
Group A Match Schedule
Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium on Thursday, June 11.
Date | |||
June 11 | Mexico | vs. | South Africa |
June 11 | Korea Republic | vs. | Czechia |
June 18 | Czecia | vs. | South Africa |
June 18 | Mexico | vs. | Korea Republic |
June 24 | Czechia | vs. | Mexico |
June 24 | South Africa | vs. | Korea Republic |
Group A Betting Odds
To Win Group A
Mexico | +100 |
Czechia | +225 |
Korea Republic | +333 |
South Africa | +1200 |
To Finish Bottom of Group A
South Africa | -125 |
Korea Republic | +300 |
Czechia | +400 |
Mexico | +900 |
To Advance to Knockout Stage From Group A
Yes | No | |
Mexico | -900 | +550 |
Czechia | -400 | +275 |
Korea Republic | -225 | +162 |
South Africa | +120 | -163 |
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Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.
