2026 World Cup Group A overview: Predictions, betting odds, complete team analysis

June 10, 2026

The World Cup kicks off on Thursday afternoon in Group A, featuring Mexico against South Africa at Estadio Azteca. El Tri is favored in a group that also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic, creating a relatively balanced competition.

Here’s a preview of World Cup Group A.

Teams are listed based on their predicted performance. * denotes the third-place team likely to progress to the knockout stage.

South Africa

Group winning odds: 12/1

Key details: Managed by Belgian coach Hugo Bruce since 2021, South Africa finished third in the 2023 African Cup of Nations and reached the quarter-finals in 2025. However, a disappointing 2025 performance led to controversy after Bruce criticized a defender and his agent, which overshadowed his earlier apologies.

Playing style: Much of the squad is built around Mamelodi Sundowns players, known for their attractive 4-3-3 formation. Although not performing well in recent matches, including draws and losses to Panama, there’s still hope for South Africa to make finals history.

Top players: Oswin Apolis, a promising midfielder for Orlando Pirates, stands out for his scoring ability. However, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams may be South Africa’s most reliable asset with his shot-stopping and ball distribution.

World Cup experience: South Africa’s first World Cup was in 1998, and they’ll make their fourth appearance in 2026. They’ve won two matches in the tournament but have yet to progress beyond the group stage. Siphiwe Tshabalala’s goal against Mexico in 2010 remains a memorable highlight.

Mexico

Odds: -125

Key details: Mexico faced challenges early in the season, including injuries and unfortunate incidents during matches at Estadio Azteca. Coach Javier Aguirre is pushing for a fast-paced style, though it’s been inconsistent. The midfield boasts talent like 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, Edson Alvarez, and others, while the defense seems fairly solid, despite concerns about fullbacks.

Playing style: Aguirre tends to utilize a 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1 setup, aiming for quick transitions. Mexico’s previous manager employed a more defensive approach, complicating these efforts. Nevertheless, Aguirre’s squad has won the 2025 Nations League and Gold Cup, including a final victory against the U.S.

Top players: Fulham’s Raul Jimenez, despite the coach’s concerns over the attack, may be Mexico’s best player as he heads into his fourth World Cup.

World Cup experience: Mexico has only missed three World Cups since 1950 and advanced to the knockout stage every tournament from 1994 until 2018. That streak ended in Qatar 2022, where they were eliminated in the group stage. Mexico has yet to get past the quarter-finals, reaching that stage in 1986 and 1970.

South Korea*

Odds: +350

Key details: The lead-up to the World Cup has not been smooth. A switch to a 3-4-3 formation wasn’t fruitful, highlighted by a 4-0 loss to Ivory Coast in March that led to calls for coach Hong Myung-bo’s resignation. Nonetheless, the team features several players from top European leagues, including Hwang Hee-chan and Lee Kang-in.

Playing style: There are issues with team identity, especially after Hong’s previous tactical shifts didn’t work out. There’s uncertainty about the team’s cohesion, especially following a winless performance in the 2014 World Cup.

Top players: Son Heung-min is a key figure, though doubts about his position on the starting lineup linger. His performance has been strong, but questions about his role persist.

World Cup experience: South Korea made history in 2002, becoming the only Asian team to reach the semi-finals. They have qualified consistently since 1986, though they faced elimination in 2022 after a disappointing final group match.

Czech Republic

Odds: +370

Key details: The Czech Republic is known for its resilient play. Despite a possession disadvantage in a playoff against Denmark, they won the match temporarily until a comeback from Denmark forced penalties. Words like grit and motivation often describe their competitive spirit.

Playing style: Coach Miroslav Koubek recently took the reins after a disappointing run and has restructured the team with a new formation. Their games may not feature high scores, as they tend to absorb pressure instead of launching aggressive attacks.

Top players: Patrik Schick, a forward known for strong finishing, and Tomáš Soucek, a steady midfielder, are significant assets to the squad.

World Cup experience: As part of Czechoslovakia before 1993, the Czech Republic has had limited success post-World War II, only making it past the group stages a couple of times. They’ll participate for the first time since 2006 in this tournament after a determined string of playoff victories.