Group A is the group of the hosts. Mexico open World Cup 2026 on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City against South Africa, in the tournament's opening match. South Korea and Czechia complete a group where Mexico start as favourites, but where none of the three opponents is a pushover. In a 48-team World Cup, even the hosts' group can hide traps, and every point will matter with the new format rewarding the eight best third-placed teams.

The four teams in Group A

Mexico, South Africa, South Korea and Czechia arrive at the tournament with very different stories. Mexico are playing a World Cup at home for the third time, after 1970 and 1986, and can count on a crowd that turns every match into a national event. South Africa return to the World Cup after hosting it in 2010, bringing a young and athletic squad. South Korea have been ever-present since 1986 and rely on the experience of their Europe-based players. Czechia, who came through the European playoffs, are the wild card of the group.

Mexico and the Azteca factor

Mexico's biggest advantage is the stadium. The Azteca sits more than 2,200 metres above sea level, and the heat, the altitude and 87,000 fans make life hard for any visitor. Mexico have always got out of the group stage at home, and the pressure of opening the tournament in front of their own fans can become fuel rather than a burden. But the hosts must be careful not to underestimate anyone: in 2010, South Africa, as hosts, drew the opening match against Mexico.

Czechia, the European threat

Czechia are the team that can ruin everyone's plans. They have a solid squad full of players used to Europe's top leagues, and a striker of Patrik Schick's calibre who can decide a match on his own. The Czechs came through the playoffs, so they arrive with the mentality of a team that has already won do-or-die games. Against Mexico they will have to cope with the Azteca's altitude, but against South Korea and South Africa they start with genuine hopes of qualifying.

South Korea and South Africa: the outsiders

South Korea are the most experienced team in the group after Mexico: they have played at every World Cup for forty years and reached the round of 16 in 2022. With Son Heung-min as their technical leader, the Koreans know how to manage tight games and can punish any mistake. South Africa, meanwhile, play with the freedom of a team with nothing to lose: athleticism, pace on the wings and a goalkeeper who often proves decisive on the big stage.

Key matches to watch

The opener, Mexico against South Africa on June 11, is the group's signature match, but the decisive games will be Mexico against Czechia and South Korea against South Africa. The meeting between the Czechs and the Koreans in particular could decide second place. Whoever reaches the final matchday with four points will have their fate in their own hands, and with the new format, no team can afford to switch off before the final whistle of the last game.

Prediction: who advances?

Mexico should win the group, using home advantage, altitude and the crowd. Second place is an open duel between Czechia and South Korea: the Czechs have more individual quality, the Koreans more World Cup experience. South Africa can join the race if they win their head-to-head against one of the two. Our prediction: Mexico first, Czechia second, South Korea third with a good chance of going through among the best third-placed teams.