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South Korea and Mexico Compete in 2026 World Cup Group A Matches

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Group A Drama: Mexico Top, South Africa Shock, South Korea Out

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A delivered a thrilling narrative of triumph, heartbreak, and historic firsts. Mexico and South Korea both won their opening matches before facing each other. Mexico ultimately won the group with a perfect record, while South Africa pulled off a stunning upset to advance.

Group A, Match 1: South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic

"It was our first game and a very difficult one. The win itself makes me happy... what's even more positive is that our boys won by not giving up." — South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo

South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening match at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, with an announced attendance of 44,985.

First Half

The first half ended scoreless. South Korea recorded eight shots to the Czech Republic's two, with four on target.

Second Half

  • 59th minute: Czech Republic captain Ladislav Krejci scored with a header following a long throw-in.
  • 67th minute: Hwang In-beom equalized, evading two defenders before scoring.
  • 77th minute: A goal by Tomas Soucek was disallowed for offside.
  • 80th minute: Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the decisive winner from a centering pass by Hwang In-beom.

Key Performances

South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made three saves, including two late stops. Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar made four saves. Son Heung-min recorded three shots but did not score.

Rankings & Context

  • South Korea was ranked 25th by FIFA; the Czech Republic was 38th.
  • This was the Czech Republic's first World Cup since 2006.
  • South Korea's first opening World Cup win since 2010.
  • South Korea has now won its last three World Cup matches against European opponents (Portugal 2022, Germany 2018, Czech Republic 2026).

Group A Standings After Match 1

Team Points Mexico 3 South Korea 3 Czech Republic 0 South Africa 0

Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the other Group A match.

Group A, Match 2: Mexico 1-0 South Korea

"It was a game where whoever made a mistake would lose, and it was them." — Mexico coach Javier Aguirre

Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, with an announced attendance of 45,522. Mexico became the first team to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.

Match Events

  • 50th minute: Luis Romo scored after a collision between South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and defender Lee Gi-hyuk caused Kim to drop the ball. Romo scored into an open net.
  • 75th minute: Raúl Jiménez's shot was saved by Kim Seung-gyu.
  • 87th minute: Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel made two crucial saves, stopping headers from Cho Gue-sung and Yang Hyun-jun.

Key Moments

Son Heung-min was substituted in the 57th minute. South Korea's preparations were disrupted after a video emerged of two individuals making disparaging comments about Son's military service, leading players to refuse media duties two days before the match.

Coach & Player Statements

Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel: "It was very quick, it was pure reaction. I couldn't really tell you what I saw."

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo: "The mistake that we made was unfortunate."

Group A Standings After Match 2

Team Points Mexico 6 South Korea 3 Czech Republic 1 South Africa 1

The Czech Republic and South Africa drew 1-1 earlier on the same day. Mexico clinched the group win.

Group A, Match 3: South Africa 1-0 South Korea

"The group's mentality was strong... we are not afraid of other teams." — South Africa coach Hugo Broos

South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday, securing first place in Group A and advancing to the knockout phase for the first time in their history.

Match Events

  • 63rd minute: Thapelo Maseko scored off a cross from Tshepang Moremi.

Coach Statements

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo stated he would have made different choices if he had known the result and took responsibility.

Historic Context

This was the first time South Africa has advanced from the group stage, having failed in 1998, 2002, and 2010. South Korea previously reached the knockout round in 2002, 2010, and 2022.

Final Group A Standings

Team Points Result Mexico 9 Advanced South Africa 4 Advanced South Korea 3 Eliminated Czech Republic 1 Eliminated

Group A Summary

  • Mexico finished first with three wins.
  • South Africa finished second, stunning South Korea to advance.
  • South Korea and the Czech Republic were eliminated from the tournament.