2026 World Cup Group A: Standings, Results, Fixtures for Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia

Group A Overview for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 World Cup marks a historic event with North America hosting and the tournament expanding to 48 teams instead of 32. Group A features host nation Mexico, along with South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia. These four teams will battle it out in six matches over two weeks to claim places in the Round of 32.

Group A Match Schedule and Results

• June 11 - Mexico 2, South Africa 0 at Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City
• June 11 - South Korea 2, Czechia 1 at Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara
• June 18 - Czechia vs South Africa at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
• June 18 - Mexico vs South Korea at Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara
• June 24 - Czechia vs Mexico at Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City
• June 24 - South Africa vs South Korea at Estadio Monterrey, Monterrey

How Group Tiebreakers Are Decided

If teams finish level on points, FIFA uses head-to-head results first, then goal difference and goals scored among those tied. If still tied, overall group goal difference and goals scored come next, followed by team conduct based on disciplinary records. FIFA rankings serve as a final measure if all else fails.

Advancing from Third Place

With 48 teams, eight of the best third-placed teams also move on to the knockout stage. Their ranking depends on points, goal difference, goals scored, team conduct score, and FIFA ranking.

Profiles of Group A Teams

Mexico

Long dominant in CONCACAF, Mexico’s progress stalled after consecutive Round of 16 exits from 1994 through 2018. The 2022 group-stage exit sparked coaching changes, ending with Javier Aguirre returning for his third term. Mexico aims to break through at home and show real improvement this time.

FIFA Rank: 15 | Coach: Javier Aguirre | Key Players: Edson Alvarez, Raul Jimenez

South Korea

Asia's most qualified World Cup nation, South Korea finished 4th in 2002 but have only reached the Round of 16 since. They dominated AFC qualifying, including wins against Ghana, Bolivia, Paraguay, and the USA. Led by Son Heung-min, they hope to reach the knockout rounds again, though going beyond quarters looks tough.

FIFA Rank: 25 | Coach: Hong Myung-bo | Key Players: Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, Kim Min-jae

South Africa

Qualifying over Nigeria, South Africa relies mostly on domestic league players with guidance from Belgian coach Hugo Broos. After their disappointing 2010 group exit as hosts, they seek to improve this time. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams stands out following strong Africa Cup of Nations performances.

FIFA Rank: 60 | Coach: Hugo Broos | Key Players: Ronwen Williams, Lyle Foster, Teboho Mokoena

Czechia

After a tough playoff path, Czechia clinched qualification on penalties against Ireland and Denmark. This marks their first World Cup in 20 years. Though regular at European Championships, they struggle to make knockout impacts. They aim to advance from the group and secure a win in the expanded tournament.

FIFA Rank: 41 | Coach: Miroslav Koubek | Key Players: Patrik Schick, Tomas Soucek, Pavel Sulc

Where to Watch Group A Matches

In the United States, Fox broadcasts the World Cup in English, with streaming available via Fubo, offering a free trial. Other countries have their own coverage, including TSN and Amazon Prime in Canada, BBC and ITV in the UK, SBS in Australia, with India’s broadcaster to be confirmed.

Knockout Stage Path for Group A

The group winner faces the third-place finisher from Groups C, E, F, H, or I. The runner-up takes on Group B’s runner-up in the Round of 32. If the third-place team advances, they play the winner of Group E or G.

Upcoming Knockout Matches Involving Group A Teams

• June 28, 3 p.m. ET: Second place Group A vs. Second place Group B at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
• June 29, 9 p.m. ET: First place Group A vs. Third place finisher at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

Later rounds will take place at venues across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, including Gillette Stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and MetLife Stadium.