The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be the biggest in history, with 48 teams competing across North America in the US, Canada and Mexico.
In the first of a series of Group profiles, we take a look at Group A, which features South Africa in its first return to the World Cup since it hosted the tournament in 2010. The opening match will also see a repeat of 2010, with Mexico hosting Bafana Bafana. Matches will take place between 11 and 24 June 2026, with the top teams advancing to the knockout rounds.
Group A
- Mexico (hosts)
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Czech Republic
Group A Fixtures
11 June 2026
Mexico vs South Africa
Time: 20:00 (SAST)
Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
12 June 2026
South Korea vs Czech Republic
Time: 03:00 (SAST) [13 June]
Venue: Estadio Akron, Zapopan, México
18 June 2026
Czech Republic vs South Africa
Time: 18:00 (SAST)
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
19 June 2026
Mexico vs South Korea
Time: 03:00 (SAST) [20 June]
Venue: Estadio Akron, Zapopan, México
25 June 2026
Czech Republic vs Mexico
Time: 03:00 (SAST) [26 June]
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
25 June 2026
South Africa vs South Korea
Time: 03:00 (SAST) [26 June]
Venue: Estadio BBVA m Guadalupe, Mexico.
Mexico
Preview
Mexico enters as both host nation and group favourite. With 18 previous World Cup appearances and quarter-final finishes in 1970 and 1986, they have a strong tournament pedigree. Hosting for the first time since 1986, Mexico will be keen to put on a display in front of its passionate home fans, led by key players such as striker Santiago Giménez, winger Hirving Lozano and midfielders Edson Álvarez and Orbelín Pineda. How the team handles the pressure of home expectations will be key to how its performs in the tournament.
Prediction
Mexico should progress comfortably, but anything less than topping the group would be seen as a disappointment.
South Africa
Preview
South Africa returns to the World Cup after a long absence, having last appeared in 2010 as hosts. Historically, Bafana Bafana has struggled to progress beyond the group stage, having narrowly missed out on qualification for the Round of 16 in 2010. After years of middling performances, the team has turned things around in recent years under manager Hugo Broos, reaching the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the upcoming World Cup.
With a high work rate, tactical organisation and attacking speed, South Africa could prove a real threat, led by forward Percy Tau, midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane, and star goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Prediction
Despite previous failures, South Africa is a potential dark horse in the tournament. However, the team will have to be at its best to emerge from a tough pool.
South Korea
Preview
A consistent presence on the global stage, South Korea boasts 12 World Cup appearances, with a famous fourth-place finish when it co-hosted the tournament in 2002. Led by highly rated captain Son-Heung-Min, the team is always a tough team to beat thanks to its high-tempo play, tactical organisation and attacking speed. It will look to its star players, including midfielders Kim Min-Jae, Lee Kang-in, Hwang In-beom and goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo , in its quest to qualify for the Round of 16 for the 4th time.
Prediction
South Korea is a strong contender to qualify for the next round, especially if the team maintains its discipline and efficiency.
Czech Republic
Preview
The Czech Republic has a proud footballing history, and was a major threat in early World Cups, having finished as runners-up twice (as Czechoslovakia) in 1934 and 1962. However, it is not the football power it once was (and the country has been split in two, with Slovakia playing separately), and recent World Cup appearances have been limited. With well-known names such as forward Patrick Schick and midfielders Tomáš Souček, the Czech Republic will rely on traditional strengths such as structured play, technical quality and its strong set-piece.
Prediction
The Czech Republic are a balanced team that is capable of causing upsets, and will be a threat to the other teams in its group. It would not be a major shock should it qualify for the Round of 16.
Looking Ahead
Group A offers a compelling mix of styles and narratives—from Mexico’s home expectations to South Africa’s comeback story. With no clear-cut second favourite, every match could prove decisive
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