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World Cup 2026 Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Czechia

▲ Peak Trend score: 92 Published: June 12, 2026 Updated: June 12, 2026

By Alexandre Le Hégarat datastats

Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup features Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, and Czechia — all playing in Mexico City and Guadalajara. After Day 1 (June 11): Mexico lead on 3 pts after a 2-0 win over South Africa; South Korea second on 3 pts after a 2-1 comeback over Czechia.

The context

Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered drama from the very start. Mexico — one of the three host nations — opened the entire tournament with a 2-0 win over South Africa at Estadio Azteca on June 11, with Julián Quiñones scoring history’s first goal of this edition in just the 9th minute. A few hours later, in Guadalajara, South Korea showed characteristic resilience by coming from behind to beat Czechia 2-1, with substitute Hyeon-Gyu Oh heading home the winner in the 80th minute.

After one round, Mexico top Group A on goal difference ahead of South Korea, with both sides on three points. Czechia and South Africa are both on zero and will need strong performances in their remaining fixtures. The group continues to play its matches at Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) and Estadio Akron (Guadalajara), two of the tournament’s most historic stadiums.

With the expanded 48-team format, the top two teams plus potentially the best third-placed teams advance to a new Round of 32 — meaning no side in Group A is mathematically out until the final matchday.

People also ask

What teams are in Group A of the 2026 World Cup?#
Group A contains Mexico, South Korea (Korea Republic), South Africa, and Czechia. All Group A matches are played in Mexico — at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
Who won Mexico vs South Africa in the 2026 World Cup?#
Mexico won 2-0 on June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Julián Quiñones scored the tournament's very first goal in the 9th minute; Raúl Jiménez added a header in the second half. South Africa finished with nine men after three red cards.
Who won South Korea vs Czechia at the 2026 World Cup?#
South Korea won 2-1 in a comeback on June 11, 2026, at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. Ladislav Krejci put Czechia ahead, but In-Beom Hwang equalized in the 67th minute and substitute Hyeon-Gyu Oh scored the winner in the 80th minute.
What are the Group A standings after Day 1?#
After the opening round of matches (June 11): Mexico lead on 3 points (+2 goal difference), South Korea are second on 3 points (+1), Czechia are third on 0 points (−1), and South Africa are bottom on 0 points (−2).
Where does Group A play its matches?#
All Group A matches are in Mexico: Estadio Azteca in Mexico City (capacity ~87,000) and Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. Mexico City hosted the opening match; Guadalajara hosted South Korea vs Czechia.
Is Mexico in Group A at the 2026 World Cup?#
Yes. Mexico, as one of the three host nations, are in Group A alongside South Korea, South Africa, and Czechia. They play their home games at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Will South Africa qualify from Group A?#
After losing the opener 0-2 to Mexico, South Africa are bottom of Group A with 0 points and a −2 goal difference. They still have two matches remaining in the group stage and need results to improve.
Who scored for South Korea against Czechia?#
In-Beom Hwang equalized in the 67th minute to make it 1-1, then substitute Hyeon-Gyu Oh scored the winner in the 80th minute to complete South Korea's 2-1 comeback win over Czechia on June 11.
Who scored the first goal of the World Cup 2026?#
Julián Quiñones of Mexico scored the very first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the 9th minute of the opening match against South Africa at Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026.
When does Mexico play next in the 2026 World Cup?#
Mexico's second Group A match is scheduled as part of the round-two fixtures. Check the official FIFA website for the confirmed date, time, and opponent.
How many teams qualify from each group in the 2026 World Cup?#
With the expanded 48-team format, the 2026 World Cup uses 12 groups of 4 teams. The top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to a new Round of 32, giving 32 teams in total.
Where can I watch Group A matches of the 2026 World Cup?#
In the USA: Fox Sports (English) and Telemundo/Universo (Spanish). In the UK: BBC and ITV. In Mexico: TV Azteca and Televisa. Check local listings for your country's official broadcaster.

Sources

  • espn
  • skysports
  • fifa.com
  • manual_validated

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