Can El Tri Deliver at Home? World Cup Group A Preview
The World Cup is upon us, and it’s time to start breaking down the 12 groups that will kick off the biggest-ever edition of the most prestigious sports tournament on the planet.
Group A is a quartet of teams that all believe they can make it into the Ro32, with the hosts, Mexico, seeking redemption after a disappointing 2022 in which they failed to make it out of the opening round.
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Game of the Group: Mexico vs. South Africa
The first game of the tournament has to be the game of the group, right?
Not only is this the first game of the 2026 World Cup, but it’s a rematch of the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, when the two sides drew in South Africa.
For Mexico, a draw at home would be disastrous, whereas if South Africa could somehow pull a result from the opener, it would be massive for their chances to advance.
Player of the Group: Son Heung-min (South Korea, Los Angeles FC)
While the former Tottenham legend might not be in his peak form that could challenge any defense on the planet a few years ago, he’s still a special player in what could be the 33-year-old’s final World Cup.
South Korea has produced some good young talent, but Son is still the best player to ever come from the Asian country, as he hopes to continue his good form in North America since moving to the MLS.
Group Prediction
Overall, I think this is Mexico’s group to lose. Although this isn’t the most star-studded “El Tri” side or even one with the best cohesion, they have the massive advantage of playing at home, where they thrive, and in a quartet with no big fish.
Mexico should get out of Group A relatively unscathed at the top, with South Korea as my pick for second. Czechia comes in third, following their shock win over Denmark in the qualifiers, and South Africa is at the bottom of the table with maybe a point to their name.
- Mexico
- South Korea
- Czechia
- South Africa
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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 5:35 PM.