The anticipation is over; the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has revealed the teams and groups for the upcoming tournament, which will be held in North America, including the United States, Mexico, and Canada, starting June 11.
All previous predictions and hypothetical matchups are now behind us with the official draw completed. The three host nations carry a certain level of expectation, particularly the U.S. men’s national team, which some believe lucked out with a favorable group.
Mexico’s World Cup Opponents
Group A
- Mexico
- South Korea
- South Africa
- Winner of FIFA playoffs: Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, or Ireland
Mexico has positioned itself in a group that might not seem daunting but does include potential landmines. Being a host nation, Mexico was guaranteed certain advantages, including a spot atop Group A, avoiding competitions against football heavyweights like Brazil and Argentina, as well as European powers like France and Spain. Yet, this also raises questions about how they will perform against potentially underestimated teams.
El Tri will kick off the tournament against South Africa on June 11, a match that also serves as a nostalgia trip to their 2010 World Cup opener, where the game ended in a 1-1 draw. With a solid goalkeeper in Ronwen Williams, South Africa will be a formidable first challenge for Mexico.
Historically, Mexico has faced difficulties against European teams, despite notable victories such as their 2018 win over Germany. The outcome of their group play will heavily depend on their performance against South Korea, whom they tied 2-2 last September.
Conclusion
As Mexico prepares for their World Cup journey, they have a clear but challenging road ahead. With six months until the tournament, they must harness their potential to advance beyond the group stages, a feat they fell short of achieving in 2022.
