World Cup 2026 Group A Preview
In one of the most evocative stadiums ever, under a searing afternoon sun, the World Cup will commence as Mexico faces South Africa. For many, grievances over a bloated format, price gouging, and political maneuvering may vanish at the first glimpse of the Azteca on their screens.
The co-hosts, on paper, should find this group straightforward, but the pressing question is how they will handle the pressure. An opening-day victory against the least heralded team in the quartet appears essential.
The match between the Czech Republic, who qualified through play-offs with newfound grit, and South Korea could determine second place. This group offers more balance than most of the dozen groups.
Group A Fixtures (All times BST)
- Thursday 11 June, 20:00: Mexico vs South Africa – Mexico City
- Friday 12 June, 03:00: Korea Republic vs Czech Republic – Guadalajara
- Thursday 18 June, 17:00: Czech Republic vs South Africa – Atlanta
- Friday 19 June, 02:00: Mexico vs Korea Republic – Guadalajara
- Thursday 25 June, 02:00: Czech Republic vs Mexico – Mexico City
- Thursday 25 June, 02:00: South Africa vs Korea Republic – Monterrey
Mexico
Automatically qualified, this will be El Tri’s 18th finals appearance. They carry reasonable hope of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 1986, the last time they hosted. Led by Javier Aguirre in his third spell, Mexico aims to prove a point after a nightmare start to the decade. They failed to advance from their group in Qatar on goal difference, conceding a 95th-minute goal against Saudi Arabia. Worse, they lost successive CONCACAF finals to the USA before regaining the Gold Cup in 2023 and retaining it last summer.
Aguirre, whose previous teams exited at the round of 16 in 2002 and 2010, was reappointed in July 2024. He reverted to a familiar chaotic tactical approach after Gerardo Martino’s possession-based style failed.
Squad: To be confirmed.
Coach: Javier Aguirre
Star Player – Raul Jimenez, Fulham: The veteran centre-forward enters his fourth World Cup, finally likely to start. He had minimal impact in previous tournaments. With over 120 caps and nearly 50 international goals, he must fire for the co-hosts to prosper.
Breakout Talent – Gilberto Mora, Tijuana: The 17-year-old attacking midfielder is expected to dazzle scouts. He broke age records held by Lamine Yamal and Pele, becoming the youngest senior international at 16 years and 265 days. He is set to move to Europe after turning 18.
FIFA Ranking: 15
Odds to Win World Cup: 66/1
South Africa
Back on the biggest stage for the first time since hosting in 2010, South Africa hopes for a moment to rival the iconic opening fixture. They exited the Africa Cup of Nations in the round of 16, losing to Cameroon. Qualification was jeopardized after a three-point deduction due to a suspended player mistakenly playing.
Lyle Foster is the most recognizable name for UK fans, but the squad’s strength lies in familiarity: eight players from Mamelodi Sundowns and eight from Orlando Pirates. Coach Hugo Broos tempers expectations.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates). Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire). Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela). Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol).
Coach: Hugo Broos
Star Player – Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi Sundowns: The captain-goalkeeper gained attention for being penalized for holding the ball too long at the Club World Cup. He saved four penalties in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals. His presence is vital.
Breakout Talent – Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Chicago Fire: The 20-year-old centre-back has settled into MLS after a tough adaptation. Nicknamed TLB for his physicality, he is 5’10” but stocky and comfortable playing out from the back.
FIFA Ranking: 60
Odds to Win World Cup: 1000/1
South Korea
Entering an 11th consecutive World Cup, South Korea appears in a rut. Since finishing fourth in 2002, they have alternated between group exits and last-16 defeats. Success would be winning a knockout tie. Coach Hong Myung-Bo, the 2002 captain now in a mediocre second spell, must inject personality into a team reliant on Son Heung-min, who turns 34 during the tournament.
Key players include Hwang Hee-chan (Wolves), Paik Seung-ho (Birmingham), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea), Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), and Lee Kang-in (PSG). Defensive concerns persist, with a three-man defence experiment failing in friendlies.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan), Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo), Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk). Defenders: Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Kim Tae-hyon (Kashima Antlers), Park Jin-seob (Zhejiang), Seol Young-woo (Red Star Belgrade), Jens Castrop (Borussia Monchengladbach), Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon), Lee Tae-seok (Austria Wien), Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), Cho Yu-min (Sharjah). Midfielders: Kim Jin-gyu (Jeonbuk), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), Paik Seung-ho (Birmingham), Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolves). Forwards: Son Heung-min (LAFC), Oh Hyeon-gyu (Besiktas), Cho Gue-sung (Midtjylland).
Coach: Hong Myung-bo
Star Player – Son Heung-min, LAFC: Entering his fourth World Cup, the former Spurs star aims to become his country’s all-time top scorer and Asia’s leading World Cup scorer. Leading the team to a knockout win is paramount.
Breakout Talent – Jens Castrop, Borussia Monchengladbach: Born in Dusseldorf, Castrop played for Germany at youth levels before switching to South Korea. He is expected to play left-back due to a shortage of full-backs.
FIFA Ranking: 25
Odds to Win World Cup: 500/1
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic entered the play-offs in disarray but arrive with newfound fortitude. Miroslav Koubek, 74, took over after a dire group campaign that saw Tomas Soucek stripped of the captaincy. They overcame Ireland and Denmark via penalty shootouts, showing resilience despite lacking coherent attacking football.
This is their second World Cup since Czechoslovakia split; their 2006 campaign ended in the group stage. Making the knockout stage would be progress.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Lukas Hornicek (Braga), Matej Kovar (PSV Eindhoven), Jindrich Stanek (Slavia Prague). Defenders: Vladimir Coufal (TSG Hoffenheim), David Doudera (Slavia Prague), Tomas Holes (Slavia Prague), Robin Hranac (TSG Hoffenheim), Stepan Chaloupek (Slavia Prague), David Jurasek (Slavia Prague), Ladislav Krejci (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jaroslav Zeleny (Sparta Prague), David Zima (Slavia Prague). Midfielders: Lukas Cerv (Viktoria Plzen), Vladimir Darida (Hradec Kralove), Lukas Provod (Slavia Prague), Michal Sadilek (Slavia Prague), Hugo Sochurek (Sparta Prague), Alexandr Sojka (Viktoria Plzen), Tomas Soucek (West Ham), Pavel Sulc (Lyon), Denis Visinsky (Viktoria Plzen). Forwards: Adam Hlozek (TSG Hoffenheim), Tomas Chory (Slavia Prague), Mojmir Chytil (Slavia Prague), Jan Kuchta (Sparta Prague), Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen).
Coach: Miroslav Koubek
Star Player – Patrik Schick, Bayer Leverkusen: The 30-year-old striker averages nearly a goal every two caps. He scored 16 Bundesliga goals for Leverkusen. His long-range strike against Scotland at Euro 2020 remains memorable.
Breakout Talent – Ladislav Krejci, Wolves: One of few bright spots for relegated Wolves, Krejci was captain when Soucek was demoted. His all-action style was vital against Ireland. His loan from Girona is expected to be made permanent.
FIFA Ranking: 40
Odds to Win World Cup: 300/1
Prediction
Mexico should progress comfortably unless hosting pressure becomes overwhelming. The battle for second place is a toss-up between Czech Republic and South Korea, with their opening match decisive. South Africa is unlikely to be hammered but lacks attacking strength to advance.
