The world will certainly be watching Group A.
The first day of the World Cup sees the tournament open with Mexico hosting South Africa at the historic, renovated Estadio Azteca in a rematch of the teams’ thrilling opening game in 2010. Later that day in Jalisco, South Korea and Czechia will take the stage.
From there, the wildly popular Mexico team will look to break through and once again put together a successful World Cup as a home team.
Korea, which Mexico beat in 2018 and then did Mexico a favor in the final group match, will look to play spoiler, while Czechia wants to show it belongs on this stage after narrowly advancing from European qualification.
Here is a breakdown of Group A.
World Cup Group A teams
Mexico
Despite winning both Concacaf trophies on offer in 2025, the vibes in the host nation are not hopeful — especially after an unheard of group-stage elimination in Qatar. That said, Mexico has excelled when the World Cup is on home soil, winning knockout games in both the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.
Key players: Raul Jimenez, Gilberto Mora, Edson Alvarez
South Africa
Back at the World Cup for the first time since hosting it, South Africa dominated its African qualification group but brings a mostly domestic-based roster to the tournament that hasn’t often been tested outside of its home country.
Key players: Lyle Taylor, Themba Zwane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi
South Korea
Has the window passed? Korea is a nation in love with soccer and one that still boasts a top superstar in Son Heung-Min. Is there enough of a plan for the rest of the team to support him and take Korea to heights it hasn’t reached since hosting in 2002?
Key players: Son Heung-Min, Lee Kang-in, Kim Min-jae
Czechia
Czechia needed a pair of penalty shootout victories in March to get to this point, but this group actually looks like one in which the idea of playing for set pieces and defending staunchly could reap some rewards.
Key players: Patrick Schick, Tomáš Souček, Ladislav Krejčí
World Cup Group A schedule
June 11
- Mexico vs. South Africa – Mexico City, 3 p.m. – Fox
- South Korea vs. Czechia – Guadalajara, 10 p.m. – FS1
June 18
- Czechia vs. South Africa – Atlanta, 12 p.m. – Fox
- Mexico vs. South Korea – Guadalajara, 9 p.m. – Fox
June 24
- Mexico vs. Czechia – Mexico City, 9 p.m. – Fox
- South Korea vs. South Africa – Monterrey, 9 p.m. – FS1
World Cup Group A prediction
Predicted order of finish:
- Mexico
- South Korea
- Czechia
- South Africa
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 World Cup Group A: Preview, predictions, schedule