Mexico and South Africa are set to play the opening match of the World Cup on Thursday 11 June. Former Aris, Union and Etzella striker Patrick Grettnich has analysed Group A for us featuring four teams from four different continents.
Mexico stand out as the favourites, being well-organised and very strong defensively. Their commitment and passion, combined with home advantage, make them the top contenders in the group.
Next in line, according to Grettnich, are South Korea, who have some excellent individual players, such as captain Son (formerly of the Bundesliga and Premier League), defender Kim (Bayern Munich), and attacking midfielder Lee (PSG), who demonstrate their talent at top European clubs.
Grettnich sees slight advantages for the Czech Republic in the battle for third place in the group. Having Patrick Schick in attack is always good for a goal, and Tomáš Souček's experience could also prove invaluable.
South Africa have lesser-known players. They have never progressed beyond the group stage at a World Cup, and Patrick Grettnich fears that this time will be no different.
Mexico will be making its 18th appearance at the World Cup in 2026. Coached by Javier Aguirre, El Tri will also have the advantage of playing at home, as Mexico is hosting the tournament for the third time, having previously done so in 1970 and 1986. On both of those occasions, the national team reached the quarter-finals. Currently ranked 15th in the world, Mexico had a disappointing exit in the group stage at the 2022 World Cup. This brought an end to their run of seven consecutive appearances in the knockout stages.
This will be South Africa's fourth World Cup appearance. So far, they have never progressed beyond the group stage. Currently ranked 60th in the world, the team is coached by Hugo Broos and is regarded by many experts as the weakest side in the group. Are they outsiders or dangerous underdogs? South Africa's target is to finish third in the group, which could earn them a place in the round of 16.
South Korea are taking part in their 12th World Cup and are currently ranked 20th in the FIFA world rankings. With their experienced international squad, the Asian side are considered genuine contenders for a place in the knockout stage.
The Czech national team qualified via the World Cup play-offs and will be appearing at their tenth tournament. They even reached the final twice in the distant past, but that level of success is unlikely this time around. Coach Miroslav Koubek's team is currently ranked in 41st place in the FIFA rankings. A battle with South Korea for second place in the group is considered a realistic possibility.
Matches in Group A will be played in Mexico City, Monterrey, Atlanta, and Guadalajara.
