Group A kicks off the entire tournament on June 11, 2026, at the historic Estadio Azteca.
| Date | Fixture | Venue | City | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 11 | Mexico vs. South Africa | Estadio Azteca | Mexico City, MX | View tickets |
| June 11 | South Korea vs. UEFA Playoff D | Estadio Akron | Guadalajara, MX | View tickets |
| June 18 | UEFA Playoff D vs. South Africa | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, GA | View tickets |
| June 18 | Mexico vs. South Korea | Estadio Akron | Guadalajara, MX | View tickets |
| June 24 | UEFA Playoff D vs. Mexico | Estadio Azteca | Mexico City, MX | View tickets |
| June 24 | South Africa vs. South Korea | Estadio BBVA | Monterrey, MX | View tickets |
Group A: Team Previews & Storylines
Mexico: The Home Soil Pressure
As co-hosts, El Tri faces immense expectation to break their “round of 16” curse on home soil. Playing all group matches in Mexico (Mexico City and Guadalajara), Javier Aguirre’s squad will rely on the legendary atmosphere of the Estadio Azteca to propel them.
Key Player: Edson Álvarez (West Ham) – The captain and midfield anchor who will be tasked with controlling the tempo in the high altitude of Mexico City.
The Storyline: Can Mexico recreate the magic of 1986, the last time they hosted, where they reached the Quarterfinals?
South Korea: The Asian Powerhouse
The “Taegeuk Warriors” are making their 11th consecutive World Cup appearance. After a dramatic run to the Round of 16 in 2022, they come into 2026 with one of the most clinical attacks in the tournament.
Key Player: Son Heung-min (Tottenham) – Already a national hero, Son is chasing the record for most World Cup goals by a Korean player.
The Storyline: South Korea is historically strong against North American opposition; their tactical discipline will be a major threat to Mexico’s home-field advantage.
South Africa: Bafana Bafana’s Big Return
Returning to the world stage for the first time since they hosted in 2010, South Africa enters Group A as a dangerous underdog. Under veteran coach Hugo Broos, they have developed a resilient, counter-attacking style.
Key Player: Lyle Foster (Burnley) – A physical striker capable of bullying defenders, he is the focal point of South Africa’s transition play.
The Storyline: Their opening match against Mexico at the Azteca is a direct “rematch” of the 2010 World Cup opener—a game that ended in a famous 1-1 draw.
UEFA Playoff Winner (TBD March 2026)
The final spot in Group A will be claimed by the winner of the Path D playoffs, likely featuring Denmark or Czechia.
The Storyline: If Denmark qualifies, they will likely enter as the statistical favorites to win the group, shifting the ticket demand significantly for their matches in Atlanta and Mexico City.
Group A Stadiums
Mexico City (Estadio Azteca)
The Vibe: Known as the “Colossus of Saint Ursula,” it’s the first stadium to host three World Cups. For the opener, sit in the Lateral sections for the best views, but expect the loudest atmosphere in the Cabeceras (behind the goals).
Pro Tip: Use the Tren Ligero (light rail) from Tasqueña station to avoid the massive gridlock on match days.
Atlanta, GA (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
The Vibe: A state-of-the-art facility with a retractable roof. Fans love the “Fan First” pricing on concessions—get a hot dog for $2 while you watch South Africa face the UEFA qualifier.
Logistics: The stadium is directly accessible via the MARTA Blue/Green line at the GWCC/CNN Center station.
2026 World Cup Group Hub
- Group A Schedule & Tickets
- Group B Schedule & Tickets
- Group C Schedule & Tickets
- Group D Schedule & Tickets
- Group E Schedule & Tickets
- Group F Schedule & Tickets
- Group G Schedule & Tickets
- Group H Schedule & Tickets
- Group I Schedule & Tickets
- Group J Schedule & Tickets
- Group K Schedule & Tickets
- Group L Schedule & Tickets
