Mexico will host the FIFA World Cup™ for a record third time in their history in 2026. Unlike the 1970 and 1986 editions, however, they will not be the sole nation, as FIFA World Cup 2026™ duties are shared with Canada and the United States.
The Mexico national team has been drawn into Group A and will have the honour of kicking off the tournament against a CAF representative, South Africa. The group also includes a regular on the world stage from Asia, Korea Republic, as well as a UEFA participant, Czechia.
Group A fixtures
Mexico
How did Mexico qualify?
Mexico secured automatic qualification as a co-host nation, alongside Canada and the United States, following the FIFA Council decision on 14 February 2023.
South Africa
How did South Africa qualify?
South Africa confirmed their return to the World Cup on 14 October, finishing top of CAF qualifying Group C, which also featured Nigeria (2nd) and Benin (3rd).
Korea Republic
How did Korea Republic qualify?
While not the first Asian nation to book their place, Korea Republic were the only team to remain unbeaten throughout AFC qualifying. After topping Group B ahead of Jordan, they sealed qualification with a 2-0 win in Iraq on 5 June 2025.
Czechia
Czechia competed as Czechoslovakia at World Cups from 1930-1994 and as Czech Republic from 1998-2014.
How did Czechia qualify?
After finishing second in their UEFA qualifying group behind Croatia, Czechia saw their fate decided in the play-offs last March. In the semi-finals, Patrik Schick and his team-mates edged past the Republic of Ireland (2-2 AET, 4-3 on penalties) before securing another dramatic win against Denmark (2-2 AET, 3-1 on penalties), with both matches played in Prague.
Group A standings
Group A facts and statistics
Round of 32 potential meetings
The winners of Group A will face a third-place finisher from either Group C, E, F, H or I in Mexico City, while the runners-up will meet the Group B runners-up in Los Angeles. Should the third-placed team in the section qualify as one of the eight best, they will meet either the Group E or Group G winners in Boston or Seattle.
