Group A at the 2026 World Cup
1xBet is where fans are already placing their bets on Group A — one of the most intriguing opening pools of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Four teams with completely different histories, motivations and expectations share a group where the top is predictable and the middle is a genuine contest.
Group A Overview
Group A tells four separate stories under one roof. The tournament hosts want to go further than any previous home edition. South Korea still dreams of recreating their legendary 2002 run. The Czech Republic returns to the World Cup after a 20-year absence, hungry to make a statement. And South Africa — the nation that staged Africa’s first-ever World Cup — is chasing a first-ever round of 16.
Mexico
From English workers to global fixture
Football reached Mexico at the dawn of the 20th century, imported by English workers — and took hold almost instantly. Within a decade, the country had its first domestic club and a national team. The “Tri”, also called the “Aztecs”, became one of the most consistent nations in World Cup history: only Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Italy have featured at more tournaments.
Their 1930 debut was rough — three games, three defeats. In 1934, having already travelled to Italy, Mexico were made to replay a qualifier against the United States, lost 2-4, and then boycotted the 1938 edition along with most of the Western Hemisphere.
Home advantage — twice over
From 1950 onwards, Mexico became a permanent fixture. Hosting in 1970, they reached their first quarter-final before losing to Italy (1-4). In 1986, they became the first nation to host the World Cup twice — and once again reached the last eight, only to fall on penalties to West Germany (0-0, 4-1 on pens).
Between 1994 and 2018, Mexico advanced past the group stage seven consecutive times — a record matched only by Brazil, Germany and Italy. They came agonisingly close to the quarter-finals in 1994 (eliminated by Bulgaria on penalties) and in 2014 (a collapse in the 87th minute against the Netherlands). Qatar 2022 ended the streak, as Mexico went out on goal difference.
Road to 2026
Mexico qualified automatically as one of the three host nations. Their last competitive warmup was the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, held in the United States and Canada — which they won, beating the hosts 2-1 in the final. Now they prepare for their 18th World Cup, with the iconic Estadio Azteca — one of the world’s largest and most atmospheric stadiums — as their home ground.
Playing style and key players
Mexico have been defined by the same core principles for decades: ball control, compactness, aggressive pressing and short passing. Against deep-lying defences it can sometimes stall, but the sheer relentlessness of their game makes them a problem for anyone.
- Raul Jimenez (34, Fulham) — Mexico’s top scorer in this cycle, 44 goals in 124 appearances. He returned from a severe head injury in 2020 and continues to deliver when it matters.
- Edson Alvarez — the engine of the midfield, played every minute of all six Gold Cup matches and scored the winning goal in the final against the US.
- Guillermo Ochoa (40, Cyprus) — a veteran goalkeeper who has been exceptional at three consecutive World Cups. If selected in 2026, he joins Ronaldo and Messi as the only players ever to appear at six.
- Javier Aguirre — on his third spell as Mexico head coach, having previously led the side at 2002 and 2010. Won the Gold Cup on his return.
South Korea
From historic lows to a semi-final
South Korea are the only Asian nation ever to reach a World Cup semi-final — but the road there was anything but smooth. Their 1954 debut in Switzerland produced a 0-9 loss to Hungary and a 0-7 defeat to Turkey, a goal difference of -16 that remains the worst in World Cup history.
From 1986 onwards, South Korea never missed another tournament. Their 2002 home edition was the defining moment: victories over Poland, Portugal, Italy (golden goal) and Spain (on penalties) carried the “Red Devils” to the last four, where they fell narrowly to Germany (0-1). Refereeing decisions in those knockout matches sparked debate that continues to this day.
Qualification for 2026
The campaign ran through three different coaches — Jurgen Klinsmann, caretaker Kim Do-hoon, then Hong Myung-bo — and ended emphatically. In the third round of Asian qualification, South Korea were the only team to go unbeaten across all 10 matches: six wins and four draws, 20 goals scored. Hong Myung-bo, the legendary captain of the 2002 squad, guided the final stretch.
Playing style and key players
South Korea play direct, high-tempo football built on pressing and fast attacking transitions. They don’t sit back, and they are willing to take the game to stronger sides.
- Son Heung-min (33, MLS) — captain and all-time top scorer, just two goals away from the national record outright. Expected to break it on US soil.
- Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) — the defensive anchor, consistently commanding when wearing the national shirt.
- Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) — the squad’s most valuable asset. Young, technically brilliant and explosive — the name to watch for a breakout tournament.
- Hong Myung-bo — an icon of Korean football, former captain of the 2002 side, now the man in the dugout.
Czech Republic
Heirs to a proud tradition
Czechoslovakia reached the World Cup final twice (1934, 1962), won the European Championship in 1976 and claimed Olympic gold in Moscow in 1980. As an independent Czech Republic, matching those heights has proved difficult — their only previous World Cup appearance, in 2006, ended in the group stage despite a squad featuring Pavel Nedved, Petr Cech and Jan Koller.
A dramatic road back
Qualifying was turbulent. In a group alongside Croatia, the Faroe Islands, Montenegro and Gibraltar, the Czechs finished second — suffering a shock home defeat to the Faroe Islands (1-2) and a 1-5 thrashing in Osijek. The play-offs demanded all their character: they came from 2-0 down against Ireland before winning on penalties (4-3), then repeated the trick against Denmark — surrendering a lead in normal time before prevailing in another shootout (3-2 on pens). After 20 years away, Czech football is back.
Playing style and key players
Head coach Miroslav Koubek (74) deploys a 3-4-2-1 system built around high energy, aerial threat and direct play over possession. The squad lacks the marquee names of the golden generation, but compensates with collective grit.
- Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen) — the first Czech player in history to score 100+ goals across the top five European leagues. 26 goals in 52 international appearances. If the Czechs find the net on the big stage, it will come through him.
- Ladislav Krejci (26, Wolverhampton) — captain and standout talent of his generation, capable of operating as a wing-back or in a front three. His goal against Denmark booked the World Cup ticket.
- Pavel Sulc — a midfielder with an exceptional finishing touch. Spent April recovering from a knee injury; his availability ahead of the tournament is still uncertain.
South Africa
Return after 16 years
South Africa’s football story cannot be separated from its political history. The apartheid era kept the country out of international football for decades, culminating in FIFA expulsion in 1976. When the regime ended in 1994, Bafana Bafana (“the boys”) were reinstated immediately — and almost immediately successful: they won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in 1996, with the trophy handed over by Nelson Mandela himself.
On the World Cup stage, South Africa have never made the knockout rounds. Their first three appearances all ended in the group stage. In 2010 — when they hosted the first World Cup held on African soil — they beat France but ultimately fell short on goal difference after a heavy defeat to Uruguay (0-3).
Qualification for 2026
The campaign nearly unravelled through self-inflicted damage. A technical defeat to Lesotho — caused by fielding a suspended player — handed Nigeria an opening. But South Africa’s squad responded, going five matches unbeaten to close the cycle and finish one point ahead of the Super Eagles, securing their fourth World Cup appearance.
Playing style and key players
Head coach Hugo Broos (73) — who has said he will retire after this tournament — has built a side that attacks with genuine ambition, refusing to retreat even against stronger opposition. They line up in a 4-2-3-1 with wide play and high energy.
- Lyle Foster (25, Burnley) — the only member of the squad at a top-five European league club. South Africa’s primary goal threat.
- Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) — the midfield heart. The same player whose suspension triggered the technical defeat; he remains the most important outfield figure.
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi (20, Chicago Fire) — a central defender of remarkable composure for his age. A strong World Cup could open the door to European football.
Who Advances from Group A
| Team | 1xBet |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 1.095 |
| Czech Republic | 1.23 |
| South Korea | 1.43 |
| South Africa | 2.17 |
Mexico at 1.095 to advance is barely a market — it’s closer to a certainty. Hosting at altitude, in front of 87,000 home supporters, gives the Tri advantages that extend well beyond the football itself. The Czech Republic (1.23) follow as the second most likely side to progress, reflecting the relative openness of the group. South Korea (1.43) are priced shorter than their squad quality might warrant — but bookmakers account for the hostile atmosphere and the difficulty of their opener against the hosts. South Africa (2.17) are the clear underdogs, though the odds point to a realistic, if slim, chance of going through.
Who Wins Group A
| Team | 1xBet |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 1.909 |
| Czech Republic | 3.32 |
| South Korea | 3.72 |
| South Africa | 13.00 |
Mexico (1.909) are the clear favourites to top the group — and deservedly so. Altitude, home support, and an experienced squad built for exactly this kind of occasion. The Czech Republic (3.32) could realistically claim second place if they win their opener against South Korea and limit the damage against Mexico. South Korea (3.72) — the spread here reflects genuine uncertainty. If Son delivers and Lee Kang-in catches fire, Korea can finish above the Czechs. South Africa (13.00) — strictly for optimists.
Our Predictions
Group A will be settled at the top and genuinely contested in the middle. Mexico advance — the only question is the position. First place is the clear preference: finishing second leads to a potential round-of-16 clash with the Netherlands or Brazil.
The second spot comes down to South Korea versus Czech Republic, a battle that will effectively be decided in their opening fixture. A Korean win puts the Czechs on the back foot immediately. If Schick and Krejci hold firm, the fight goes to the final matchday. Either way, the Azteca will be a spectacle — and the rest of the group will be scrapping hard beneath it.
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Aiden Brooks 
