Tournament Preview: Group A
With no overwhelming heavyweight in the section, Group A could become one of the most competitive and open groups in the tournament. Let’s take a closer look at Group A in this summer’s big tournament!
Group A offers an intriguing mix of experience, expectation and unpredictability as co-hosts Mexico prepare to launch the tournament on home soil. South Korea arrive with one of the most consistent tournament records outside Europe and South America, while South Africa return to the biggest stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010. Czech Republic, meanwhile, are back at the finals after a lengthy absence and will believe they have enough quality to challenge for a knockout place.
Mexico
Mexico begin the tournament with the honour of playing the opening match at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where they face South Africa in a repeat of the first fixture from the 2010 edition of the tourmament.
There is no shortage of familiar names in the squad. Raul Jimenez and Edson Alvarez continue to provide leadership and experience, while striker Santiago Gimenez remains one of the side’s most dangerous attacking weapons. The forward earned a move to AC Milan in 2025 after a prolific spell with Feyenoord, where he scored 65 goals in 105 appearances. Despite struggling at the Italian club, the home supporters will be hoping to see him at his best this summer.
Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa could also make history if selected, with the 41-year-old aiming to appear at a sixth edition of the tournament.
Under Javier Aguirre, Mexico regained regional supremacy by lifting the 2025 Gold Cup and arrive with strong expectations on home soil. The challenge now is translating that momentum onto the world stage and finally moving beyond the quarter-final barrier that has haunted the national team for decades. With massive support behind them throughout the tournament, Mexico may feel this is one of their strongest opportunities yet to make a deep run.
South Africa
South Africa return to the tournament for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010 after topping their qualifying group to secure automatic qualification.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is among the standout figures in the squad after earning global recognition for his performances with Mamelodi Sundowns. Much of South Africa’s core remains based domestically, including exciting winger Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates, while Burnley forward Lyle Foster brings valuable experience from English football.
Although they enter the group as outsiders, South Africa will take encouragement from the balance of this group. There is no dominant favourite, and that could leave the door open for a surprise challenge if they can build momentum early in the tournament.
South Korea
South Korea head into the tournament after an unbeaten qualifying campaign and will be aiming to continue their strong recent tournament record.
Attention naturally falls on Heung-Min Son, who could be preparing for his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. The former Tottenham captain has continued his career in the United States with LAFC, while several other key players remain important figures in European football. Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae and attacking midfielder Lee Kang-in bring top-level experience, while Hwang Hee-chan and Jae-sung Lee add further quality and energy to the squad.
South Korea have developed into one of the most reliable nations at this tournament outside the traditional elite. Since their memorable run to the semi-finals as co-hosts in 2002, they have regularly proven capable of competing with stronger opponents and reaching the knockout rounds. They will once again expect to challenge seriously for qualification from the group.
Czech Republic
Czech Republic secured their place in the tournament through the European qualifying play-offs, overcoming Republic of Ireland and Denmark in consecutive penalty shootout victories.
It marks their first appearance at the finals in two decades, but the squad contains enough experience and quality to make them dangerous opponents in Group A.
Patrik Schick remains the leading attacking threat and one of the most accomplished forwards in European football. The Bayer Leverkusen striker will carry much of the goalscoring responsibility, while Tomas Soucek offers leadership, aerial presence and experience in midfield. Around them is a group packed with seasoned internationals who will believe they are capable of competing for a place in the last 16.
After such a long wait to return to the tournament, Czech Republic will be determined to make the most of their opportunity.
Conclusion
Group A may lack one of the tournament’s traditional superpowers, but that only adds to the intrigue. Mexico will hope home advantage can drive them deep into the competition, while South Korea’s consistency and experience make them a serious contender for qualification.
Czech Republic have enough proven talent to trouble anyone in the group, and South Africa could yet emerge as the surprise package if they start well.
With contrasting styles, experienced squads and little separating the teams on paper, Group A has all the ingredients to become one of the most unpredictable sections of the 2026 edition of the tournament.
Interesting bets:
- Mexico to score the most goals in the group at 1.95
- Mexico to win Group A at 1.75
- South Korea to finish 2nd in Group A at at 3.40
Don’t forget that we also have Early Payout on this tournament, which you can read more about here.
Odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last Updated: 03.06.2026
