2026 FIFA World Cup Group A


Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to 24, 2026. The group consists of Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and the UEFA second round Path D winner. The top two teams, possibly along with the third-placed team, will advance to the round of 32.

Teams

'''Notes'''

Standings

In the round of 32:

Matches

All times listed are local.

Mexico vs South Africa

The two teams have faced each other four times, most recently in a 1–1 draw in the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening match, with South Africa as the host nation. This match coincidentally will take place exactly 16 years after.

South Korea vs UEFA Path D winner


UEFA Path D winner vs South Africa


Mexico vs South Korea

The sides have previously met 15 times including twice in the World Cup, as Mexico won both matches: 3–1 in the 1998 tournament in France, and 2–1 in the 2018 edition in Russia. Their most recent meeting was a 2–2 draw in 2025.

UEFA Path D winner vs Mexico


South Africa vs South Korea

The two teams have never met before.

Discipline

The team conduct score will be used as a tiebreaker if the head-to-head and overall records of teams are tied. It will also be used as a tiebreaker for the third-place ranking between groups if the overall records of teams are tied. The score will be calculated based on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials in all group matches as follows:
  • yellow card: −1 point;
  • indirect red card : −3 points;
  • direct red card: −4 points;
  • yellow card and direct red card: −5 points;
Only one of the above deductions can be applied to a player or team official in a single match.