Heading into June’s matches, Group A is expected to be one of the most competitive at this World Cup. Yes, Mexico will receive the significant advantage of playing every match at home on top of being arguably the group’s toughest team to beat even if these were neutral-site matches. However, South Korea and Czechia will also bring a lot of quality to this World Cup, and South Africa’s got the potential to upset the apple cart.

History

Mexico’s two quarterfinal appearances were in World Cups that the country hosted, in 1970 and 1986, and the team’s looking for a repeat of that in 2026. If the Mexicans can top this group, they could reach the quarterfinals without leaving their country. Conversely, if they advance to the knockout phase as a non-group winner, they would be playing in the USA throughout that entire part of the competition.

South Korea’s best finish was a fourth-place showing in 2002 with all of those games being played at home. Its next best performances were achieved with round of 16 appearances in 2010 and 2022. Meanwhile, this will be Czechia’s second World Cup; they failed to get out of the group stage in 2006. South Africa has also never escaped the group stage, playing three matches apiece at the 1998, 2002 and 2010 tournaments.

Mexico

Although the Mexicans have played Gold Cup and Copa America matches over the past few years, they haven’t taken part in anything related to the World Cup since exiting the 2022 edition after finishing third in their group with four points.

The biggest name that was included in Mexico’s finalized roster for this competition is Guillermo Ochoa, who is set to play in his sixth and last World Cup. The only others who are expected to do the same in America are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

At the other end of the age range, 17-year-old Gilberto Mora has not only been included on the squad list but is also expected to see significant playing time as well. If he does, in fact, step on the pitch, he’ll become Mexico’s all-time youngest World Cup player.

South Korea

The South Koreans went undefeated in taking 38 points from 16 matches during World Cup qualifying, topping the table in both rounds of group play. Within the past few years, the team also advanced to the 2023 Asian Cup semifinals.

Among those named to the country’s final squad of 26 players for this World Cup, forward Son Heung-min is the one who’s most known to casual football fans. He’s been playing for Los Angeles FC ever since leaving Tottenham Hotspur in 2025. If he does see action, which will surely happen barring an injury, this will be his fourth World Cup.

Another player who’s expected to contribute on the pitch for the Koreans is Kim Min-jae, who plays as a center-back for Bayern Munich. Lee Kang-in, a winger and attacking midfielder with Paris Saint-Germain, should see a lot of action for the Koreans as well.

Czechia

Czechia qualified for this World Cup through the playoffs. After finishing second behind Croatia in Group L, the Czechs defeated Ireland and Denmark in a pair of penalty shootouts, both at home in Prague, to qualify for their first World Cup in 20 years.

Interestingly, 17 of the players on their World Cup roster play for Czech clubs with 10 of those plying their trade for Slavia Prague, which won the 1. Liga this past season.

As for the players who are signed with foreign sides, Tomas Soucek’s name stands out the most. The West Ham United midfielder enters June having played 89 times for his country, the most of any member of this squad, and he’s scored 17 goals while wearing that kit. Also of note is national team member Patrik Schick, a striker with Bayer Leverkusen. He’s scored 25 times for his national team in 52 matches.

South Africa

South Africa took Group C in Africa’s qualifying campaign to secure the group’s lone automatic qualifying spot by one point over Nigeria. As a result, the team qualified on merit for the World Cup for the first time since 2002; it participated in the 2010 event as well after being awarded an automatic spot there as host of that competition.

Bafana Bafana’s squad, like Czechia’s, will also bring to America a significant number of players who play for domestic clubs. Nineteen of them are with South African Premier Division sides, eight apiece with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, the latter having won the CAF Champions League a couple of weeks ago.

Also of note is the inclusion of two uncapped players: Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross, both defenders.

A player who’s expected to help lead South Africa’s attack is Burnley forward Lyle Foster. He’s already scored 10 times for his country, doing so in only 26 caps.

Best historical results

Here is the top finishing position that these four teams have posted in their respective World Cup histories:

• Mexico: sixth place (1970, 1986)
• South Korea: fourth place (2002)
• Czechia: 20th place (2006)
• South Africa: 17th place (2002)

Note that Czechoslovakia finished second at the 1934 and 1962 World Cups.

Conclusion

How will the Mexicans do in front of their home fans? Yes, there’s pressure there, but, at the same time, there’s a reason why World Cup hosts have historically punched above their weight. But if they do slip, South Korea, Czechia and South Africa will be ready to pounce.

All of these Group A battles can be followed live with Sofascore.