World Cup 2026 Group A: Mexico and South Korea Set the Pace
Updated 26 June 2026, after the final round on June 24.
Group A is complete. Mexico finish with a perfect nine points after a 3-0 win over Czech Republic at Estadio Azteca. South Africa reach the World Cup Round of 32 for the first time in their history with a 1-0 win over South Korea through Thapelo Maseko goal. Czech Republic and South Korea are eliminated. Read: Mexico 3-0 Czech Republic and South Africa 1-0 South Korea.
World Cup 2026 Group A belongs to Mexico after two rounds: a 1-0 win over South Korea takes the co-hosts to a perfect six points and the brink of the Round of 32, while a 1-1 draw between Czechia and South Africa keeps both of them clinging on for the final round. South Korea stay second on three points, and the bottom two are level on one with everything to play for.
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| South Korea | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Czechia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| South Africa | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
How World Cup 2026 Group A has unfolded
Mexico have been the model of control, following their chaotic 2-0 win over South Africa with a composed 1-0 victory over South Korea, settled by Luis Romo five minutes after half-time. South Korea, who had come from behind to beat Czechia 2-1 in round one, could not find a response. Czechia and South Africa shared a 1-1 draw, Michal Sadílek’s early opener cancelled out by a late Teboho Mokoena penalty. Read the round-two reports: Mexico 1-0 South Korea and Czechia 1-1 South Africa.
What is next
The final round of Group A fixtures pairs Mexico with Czechia and South Korea with South Africa. Mexico are all but through and playing for top spot, while three sides still chase the two qualifying places and the third-placed safety net. South Korea hold the advantage; Czechia and South Africa must win and hope. Follow it all on our standings page and live scores, and catch the day that reshaped the group in our June 18 results roundup.
How Group A can qualify
The top two advance automatically, with the third-placed side still able to reach the Round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups. Mexico need only avoid a heavy final-round defeat to top the group; South Korea would seal second with a win over South Africa. Track every group on our all-groups standings tracker, and see the format in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
Who is top of World Cup 2026 Group A?
Mexico top Group A with six points from two games, three clear of South Korea, after beating South Korea 1-0 in round two.
Are Czechia and South Africa out of the World Cup?
Not yet. Both sit on one point after a 1-1 draw and can still reach the Round of 32, but each needs a result in the final round of group games.
Sources: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A.
