The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, and for fans, this is the time where you realistically evaluate where your country will finish.
While some fans await the official squads for the World Cup, others are asking the right questions, like how far can we go at the World Cup?
For countries in group A, this article seeks to answer that question and offer a guide on predictions about how well each team will perform in the group stage. The teams in group A of the 2026 World Cup include: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea and Czech Republic.
The greatest show in the world is ready. Are you? 🏆#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ISxLhuLUkm
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) April 1, 2026
Mexico
Kicking off the 2026 World Cup in a similar fashion as the 2010 edition, but this time as co-hosts, Mexico will open the floor with their clash against South Africa.
The opening match of #FIFAWorldCup 2026:
Mexico v South Africa
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 5, 2025
Mexico are seen as heavy favourites to top this group, not just due to home advantage as hosts but by reason of their performances in recent years. Having won back-to-back CONCACAF titles and the CONCACAF Nations League title, the squad now has a renewed feeling of hope and strength.
🚨🇲🇽 The Mexican National Team has released their 55-man preliminary list! pic.twitter.com/xsv2ytCBKE
— World Cup HQ (@WorldCup26HQ) May 13, 2026
Securing draws vs Portugal and Belgium in the March international window, this team has shown incredible strength that could see them cruise through their group and potentially finish top.
South Korea
Undoubtedly one of the strongest teams in Asia, South Korea come into this World Cup looking to continue where they left off at the last World Cup after bowing out in the round of 16.
Having built a young team that still accommodates the experience of captain and MLS star Heung-min Son, this team may produce an electric run in the group stage, considering the fact that this may be Son’s last World Cup.
Although they showed their strength in the AFC Asian Cup, reaching the third round unbeaten, they were shocked during the March international window as they were beaten 4-0 by Ivory Coast before losing 1-0 to Austria.
Those losses has given the team a shock that would prompt them to put the house in order. The attack of Son, Kang-in Lee and Hwang Hee-Chan would need to be at their absolute best, while Kim Min-Jae would need to marshal the defence to avoid any unexpected errors.
South Africa
Qualifying at the expense of Nigeria by finishing first in their CAF qualifying group, South Africa are back in the World Cup for the first time in 16 years.
With that at the back of their mind, they will pose serious threats to South Korea and the Czech Republic. Although they crashed out in the round of 16 at the last AFCON, they play compact attacking football that would make any team quiver.
South Africa officially debut their World Cup away kit against Panama.
📷: @vsrsus pic.twitter.com/c8ImgV29oY
— NoteS. (@NoteSphere) April 1, 2026
With an experienced shot stopper like Williams in goal and players like Mudau, Mokoena and Modiba bringing experience to the team, South Africa won’t be pushed over in group A. They would get a few scars but could easily finish second by sticking to samba-style football and avoiding any unnecessary mistakes at the back.
Czech Republic
Czech Republic arrive at the 2026 World Cup in the most dramatic fashion. They finished second in their qualifying group, and survived two penalty shootouts against Ireland and Denmark in the space of five days while adjusting to life under a new coach.
This feat alone makes them a team to watch in Group A.
In terms of players, Schick remains ever deadly in front of goal, while the experienced Soucek serves as a midfield engine. For a team that could potentially rely on set pieces and crosses to their target man, Schick, Coufal is a valuable asset not just offensively but defensively. In goal, following his heroics in the penalty shootout, Kovar has proved his worth and could make a difference when called into action.
Physicality, counterattacks and set pieces could Czech Republic’s main weapons at the World Cup, and if used effectively, they could cause some upsets in group A.
