Group A features Mexico on home soil as heavy favourites, backed by the iconic Estadio Azteca crowd. The Czech Republic return to the World Cup with a solid European squad, South Korea rely on Son Heung-min in what is likely his final tournament appearance, and South Africa make a long-awaited comeback 16 years after hosting the 2010 edition.
Below are all the details regarding the matchups, squads, and updated projections from the betting markets.
🗓️ Matches, Dates, Times, and Stadiums
All match times have been adjusted to Montreal Time (EDT) for your convenience:
- June 11, 2026, 3:00 PM: Mexico vs. South Africa – Mexico City (Mexico)
- June 11, 2026, 10:00 PM: South Korea vs. Czech Republic – Guadalajara (Mexico)
- June 18, 2026, 12:00 PM (Noon): Czech Republic vs. South Africa – Atlanta (United States)
- June 18, 2026, 9:00 PM: Mexico vs. South Korea – Guadalajara (Mexico)
- June 24, 2026, 9:00 PM: Czech Republic vs. Mexico – Mexico City (Mexico)
- June 24, 2026, 9:00 PM: South Africa vs. South Korea – Monterrey (Mexico)
📋 Official Squad Rosters
All four squads in Group A have officially confirmed their selections heading into the tournament.
🇲🇽 Mexico (26-Player Squad)
Two milestones stand out in Javier Aguirre’s roster: Guillermo Ochoa competes in his sixth World Cup, while 17-year-old Gilberto Mora becomes the youngest Mexican player ever to appear at the tournament. Up front, Santiago Giménez and Raúl Jiménez share the goalscoring responsibilities.
- Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo, Guillermo Ochoa, Raul Rangel.
- Defenders: Edson Alvarez, Mateo Chavez, Jesus Gallardo, Cesar Montes, Israel Reyes, Jorge Sanchez, Johan Vasquez.
- Midfielders: Luis Chavez, Alvaro Fidalgo, Brian Gutierrez, Erik Lira, Gilberto Mora, Luis Romo, Orbelin Pineda, Obed Vargas.
- Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Santiago Gimenez, Armando Gonzalez, Cesar Huerta, Raul Jimenez, Guillermo Martinez, Julian Quinones, Alexis Vega.
🇰🇷 South Korea (26-Player Squad)
Hong Myungbo leads a balanced and experienced side. Son Heung-min arrives at what is widely expected to be his final World Cup, with Kim Min-jae as the defensive anchor and Kang-In Lee as the primary creative force in midfield.
- Goalkeepers: Song Bumkeun, Jo Hyeonwoo, Kim Seung-gyu.
- Defenders: Jens Castrop, Lee Hanbeom, Park Jinseob, Lee Kihyuk, Kim Minjae, Kim Moonhwan, Kim Taehyeon, Lee Taeseok, Seol Youngwoo, Cho Yumin.
- Midfielders: Lee Donggyeong, Hwang Heechan, Yang Hyunjun, Hwang Inbeom, Lee Jaesung, Kim Jingyu, Eom Jisung, Bae Junho, Lee Kangin, Paik Seungho.
- Forwards: Cho Guesung, Son Heungmin, Oh Hyeongyu.
🇿🇦 South Africa (26-Player Squad)
Hugo Broos brings the Bafana Bafana back to the World Cup 16 years after hosting the 2010 edition. Ronwen Williams is the squad’s standout technical reference, while Lyle Foster and Relebohile Mofokeng lead the attack.
- Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine.
- Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Olwethu Makhanya, Bradley Cross, Aubrey Modiba, Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khulumani Ndamane, Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Kamogelo Sebelebele.
- Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole.
- Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko.
🇨🇿 Czech Republic (26-Player Squad)
Miroslav Koubek’s squad blends seasoned Premier League and Bundesliga veterans with emerging talent. Patrik Schick leads the attack, Tomáš Souček anchors midfield, and Adam Hložek represents the next generation of Czech football.
- Goalkeepers: Lukas Hornicek, Matej Kovar, Jindrich Stanek.
- Defenders: Vladimir Coufal, David Doudera, Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Stepan Chaloupek, David Jurasek, Ladislav Krejci, Jaroslav Zeleny, David Zima.
- Midfielders: Pavel Bucha, Lukas Cerv, Vladimir Darida, Tomas Ladra, Lukas Provod, Michal Sadilek, Hugo Sochurek, Alexandr Sojka, Tomas Soucek, Pavel Sulc, Denis Visinsky.
- Forwards: Adam Hlozek, Tomas Chory, Mojmir Chytil, Christophe Kabongo, Jan Kuchta, Patrik Schick.
💰 Team Odds & Predictions
Mexico’s home advantage makes them clear favourites, while the Czech Republic and South Korea are virtually level in the race for second place – with their direct matchday one clash potentially deciding the group’s second qualifier.
Stage & Title Projections
| Betting Market | Mexico | Czech Republic | South Korea | South Africa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To Win Group A | +100 | +225 | +330 | +1200 |
| To Qualify from Group | -450 | -200 | -140 | +275 |
| To Reach Round of 16 | +125 | +225 | +275 | +400 |
| To Reach Quarter-Finals | +450 | +900 | +1000 | +1400 |
| To Reach Semi-Finals | +1100 | +2800 | +3300 | +5000 |
| To Reach the Final | +2500 | +10000 | +15000 | +25000 |
| To Win the World Cup | +8000 | +30000 | +50000 | +100000 |
Match Results (Moneyline / 1X2)
- Mexico vs. South Africa: Mexico (-208) | Tie (+333) | South Africa (+550)
- South Korea vs. Czech Republic: South Korea (+162) | Tie (+210) | Czech Republic (+175)
- Czech Republic vs. South Africa: Czech Republic (-105) | Tie (+220) | South Africa (+300)
- Mexico vs. South Korea: Mexico (-125) | Tie (+240) | South Korea (+350)
- Czech Republic vs. Mexico: Czech Republic (+280) | Tie (+230) | Mexico (-110)
- South Africa vs. South Korea: South Africa (+240) | Tie (+225) | South Korea (+110)
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• Updated on 14/05/2026
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⭐ Individual Player Odds & Awards
Mexico’s host nation status dominates the individual award markets throughout. Son Heung-min remains the most compelling dark-horse pick outside the Mexican camp, while Patrik Schick offers value for believers in a deep Czech run.
Top Goalscorer (Golden Boot)
- Raúl Jiménez (Mexico): +10000
- Armando González (Mexico): +10000
- Julián Quiñones (Mexico): +10000
- Son Heung-min (South Korea): +12500
- Orbelín Pineda (Mexico): +15000
- Patrik Schick (Czech Republic): +20000
- Hwang Hee-chan (South Korea): +20000
- Lyle Foster (South Africa): +50000
Best Player (Golden Ball)
- Raúl Jiménez (Mexico): +15000
- Son Heung-min (South Korea): +25000
- Kang-In Lee (South Korea): +25000
- Patrik Schick (Czech Republic): +35000
- Tomáš Souček (Czech Republic): +50000
Top Assist Provider
- Alexis Vega (Mexico): +12500
Other Notable Awards
- Guillermo Ochoa is the frontrunner for the Golden Glove in this group, listed at +8000 – a fitting landmark for a goalkeeper competing in his sixth World Cup.
- Young midfielder Gilberto Mora is listed at +3300 for Best Young Player, with the added narrative of being the youngest player Mexico has ever fielded at a World Cup.
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