Group A predictions: FIFA World Cup 2026

by Alex Sarwar · June 4 2026, 17:12

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As we build up to FIFA World Cup 2026, Group A comes under the spotlight as we assess the prospects of Mexico, Korea Republic, South Africa and Czechia.

Fixtures

Matchday 1

Mexico vs South Africa
Korea Republic vs Czechia

Matchday 2

Czechia vs South Africa
Mexico vs Korea Republic

Matchday 3

Czechia vs Mexico
South Africa vs Korea Republic

Click here for a full breakdown of kick-off dates and times for FIFA World Cup 2026!

Group A opens up FIFA World Cup 2026 with Mexico vs South Africa the curtain-raiser at Estadio Azteca. This is the second time these two nations have opened the FIFA World Cup together, having faced off in Johannesburg to begin FIFA World Cup 2010. Mexico boasts home advantage throughout the group stage and as a nation who has reached the knockout stage in eight of their last nine FIFA World Cup appearances, the highest-ranked country in Group A are well-placed to do the same again in what is a winnable group on paper.

Whilst Korea Republic boast arguably the most well-known player across each Group A in Son Heung-min, there is a worry that they may wind up being over-reliant on the LAFC star and that their squad as a whole could struggle against the likes of Mexico and Czechia.

The only European nation in Group A, Czechia are always underrated headed into major tournaments. However, they have multiple players who are experienced on the big stage and should prove extremely difficult to break down as a unit. Most importantly, Czechia boast a proven goalscorer in Patrik Schick, which should prove crucial in games against the likes of Korea Republic first up and South Africa following that.

Bafana Bafana look the weakest team on paper and have never made it to the knockout stage in FIFA World Cup history. They did impress during qualifying though, and won’t be underestimated by their opponents.

It would be a surprise if Mexico didn’t win the group and they stand a good chance of gaining maximum points in the process. The presence of Schick along with a solid backline may well see Czechia follow them in second place. Whilst eight of 12 third-placed finishers will reach the knockout stage, it’s hard to see either Korea Republic or South Africa gaining the points required to be one of those eight third-placed nations.

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