Group A overview – Mexico are the likely favourites after winning the CONCACAF double this year, but a team from Europe is always competitive.

With Group A, the 2026 World Cup begins just as the 2010 edition started: Mexico versus South Africa, at the iconic Estadio Azteca on June 11. Sixteen years after that memorable opener in Johannesburg, these nations reunite alongside South Korea and a European qualifier (one of Czech Republic, Denmark, North Macedonia, or Republic of Ireland) to contest one of the tournament’s more intriguing groups.

Team 1: Mexico

• Fixtures (IST — approximate times, not yet confirmed)
  • Estadio Azteca, Mexico City vs South Africa: June 12, 2026 (0030 IST)
  • Estadio Akron, Zapopan vs South Korea: June 19, 2026 (0630 IST)
  • Estadio Azteca, Mexico City vs Playoff Winner (Path D): June 25, 2026 (0630 IST)
• Previous best finish: Quarter-finals (1970, 1986)
  ● How they qualified: Automatic qualification as co-hosts.
  ● Key player: Raúl Jiménez is an experienced striker currently playing for Fulham and a reliable goalscorer for Mexico.
  ● Coaching credentials: Javier Aguirre, in his third stint with the national team, won the CONCACAF double this year and previously coached clubs such as RCD Mallorca and Atlético Madrid, as well as national sides including Japan and Egypt.
  ● Likely breakthrough star: Gilberto Mora, who just turned 17 in October, but the Tijuana star has been watched by every big club from Real Madrid downwards.
  ● Realistic expectation: Qualification for the knockout stage is within reach; could advance to the Round of 16 as well.

Team 2: South Korea

• Fixtures (IST — approximate times, not yet confirmed)
  • Estadio Akron, Zapopan — vs Playoff Winner (Path D): June 12, 2026 (0730 IST)
  • Estadio Akron, Zapopan — vs Mexico: June 19, 2026 (0630 IST)
  • Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe — vs South Africa: June 25, 2026 (0630 IST)
• Previous best finish: Fourth place (2002)
  ● How they qualified: Finished top of their AFC qualifying group with 22 points from 10 matches.
  ● Key player: Kim Min-jae (Centre Back) — The 2023 Serie A Defender of the Year, now with Bayern Munich, anchors South Korea’s strong defensive line.
  ● Coaching credentials: Hong Myung-bo, in his second stint as national coach, remains a controversial appointment but has performed well so far with only two defeats in 19 matches.
  ● Likely breakthrough star: Lee Kang-in — The 24-year-old PSG attacking midfielder is one of South Korea’s brightest prospects. Under Luis Enrique, he has developed technically and will be crucial in supporting Son Heung-min.
  ● Realistic expectation: A clear chance of advancing to the last 32, with potential to go further depending on knockout-stage opponents.

Team 3: South Africa

• Fixtures (IST — approximate times, not yet confirmed)
  • Estadio Azteca, Mexico City — vs Mexico: June 12, 2026 (0030 IST)
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta — vs Playoff Winner (Path D): June 18, 2026 (2130 IST)
  • Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe — vs South Korea: June 25, 2026 (0630 IST)
• Previous best finish: Group stage (1998, 2002, 2010)
  ● How they qualified: Finished top of their CAF qualifying group, overtaking seasoned contenders Nigeria, despite being docked three points for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho.
  ● Key player: Lyle Foster (Centre Forward) — The Burnley striker has been a prolific scorer for South Africa during qualifying.
  ● Coaching credentials: Since 2021, Hugo Broos has transformed the team, leading them to third place at the 2023 AFCON and securing their return to the World Cup after 16 years.
  ● Likely breakthrough star: Shandre Campbell — The Club Brugge left winger is a regular scorer in the Jupiter Pro League.
  ● Realistic expectation: Expected to fight for third place. All eyes will be on coach Broos for another tactical masterclass.

Team 4: UEFA Playoff Winner (Path D)

(Czech Republic / Denmark / North Macedonia / Republic of Ireland)

• Fixtures (IST)
  • Estadio Akron, Zapopan — vs South Korea: June 12, 2026 (0130 IST)
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Los Angeles — vs South Africa: June 18, 2026 (2130 IST)
  • Estadio Azteca, Mexico City — vs Mexico: June 25, 2026 (0630 IST)
• Previous best finish:
  Czechoslovakia were twice World Cup runners-up. After dissolution, the Czech Republic have qualified only once (2006). Denmark (1998) and Ireland (1990) have each reached the quarter-finals once.
  ● How they qualified: Will earn their place via UEFA Playoff Path D (final winner in March 2026).
  ● Key player: Rasmus Højlund — The centre forward has already played for major clubs including Atalanta, Manchester United, and Napoli at just 22 years of age.
  ● Coaching credentials: Depends on which nation qualifies, with potential managerial changes possible.
  ● Likely breakthrough star: If the Czechs qualify, Hoffenheim’s Adam Hložek should be one to watch.
  ● Realistic expectation: Could challenge the other teams in Group A, especially if Denmark qualify. Capable of pushing for the top spot.

Group Prediction

1. Mexico
2. UEFA Playoff Winner
3. South Korea
4. South Africa

Also Read: Not that tough a group for Germany in mission redemption