The wait is finally over. After a supersized 2026 FIFA World Cup draw that pushed broadcast windows to the limits, we now know the official teams and groups for next summer’s tournament. The global event will be hosted in North America by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and begins on June 11.
All draw predictions are now a thing of the past, and all the hypotheticals are faded into dust now that the draw is complete. The three hosts have some level of pressure on them, especially the U.S. men’s national team, as the instant reaction is that they lucked into a favorable draw. What does the path look like for Mexico moving forward?
Let’s break down Group A:
Mexico’s World Cup opponents
Group A
- Mexico
- South Korea
- South Africa
- The winner of FIFA playoffs: Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, Ireland
So El Tri found themselves in a puzzler of a group. They might be considered favorites, but perhaps not.
Mexico, as one of the hosts, had a bit of luck, being placed at the top of Group A. They were spared facing many of football’s giants. However, this also leaves more questions about their form against underdog teams. It’s definitely not the group of death, but it’s also not quite a group of life.
El Tri will face South Korea, South Africa, and the eventual winner of the FIFA playoff. The first match of the tournament on June 11 against South Africa recalls the 2010 World Cup opener, which ended in a 1-1 draw, yet both teams have evolved since.
The group will be challenging for Mexico, especially considering their historical struggles against European teams. The match against South Korea promises to be tactical and intense, especially after their previous encounters.
As the tournament approaches, Mexico has a clear path toward the knockout rounds, a level they fell short of in 2022. The pressures of hosting and the expectation of rekindling national belief will be significant as El Tri heads into this World Cup.
