Track Tickets
The opening round of Group A fixtures is complete, and the section already has a clear shape. Hosts Mexico set the tone with a 2-0 win over South Africa, and South Korea followed up with a battling 2-1 comeback against Czechia in Guadalajara. Both winners sit on three points, which sets up a mouth-watering second round of fixtures. Here is where the group stands and what to look out for next.
South Korea 2-1 Czechia: Hwang Turns the Game on Its Head
For an hour at the Estadio Akron, this looked like Czechia's night. The Europeans, back at a World Cup after a long absence, broke the deadlock on 59 minutes when Ladislav Krejčí rose to head home a long Vladimir Coufal throw-in — their first goal at a World Cup finals in two decades.
The lead lasted barely eight minutes. Feyenoord midfielder Hwang In-beom collected a through ball, danced around PSV goalkeeper Matěj Kovář and dinked a composed finish into the empty net to level the scores. It was a moment of real quality, and it transformed the contest.
Hwang was not finished. With ten minutes to go he slid a low cross across the face of goal for Oh Hyeon-gyu to tap in the winner. Czechia pushed for a leveller late on, but goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu produced a smart save to deny Adam Hložek and preserve the points. A goal and an assist made Hwang the standout performer of the night and lifted South Korea level with Mexico at the summit. You can see the full result on our South Korea vs Czechia page.
How Group A Looks After Matchday 1
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| 2 | South Korea | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 3 |
| 3 | Czechia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| 4 | South Africa | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
Mexico edge the top spot on goal difference after their opening win over South Africa, with South Korea right behind them. Czechia and South Africa are both still searching for their first points and will know that another defeat could end their hopes early.
What's Next: A Group A Showdown
The standout fixture in the next round is a straight shootout between the two early leaders. Mexico vs South Korea now looks like a potential group decider, with both sides chasing the win that would all but seal a place in the knockout rounds. Expect a fierce atmosphere and huge demand for seats.
Czechia, meanwhile, must regroup quickly before facing the hosts in the final round at Czechia vs Mexico, a game that could yet decide who goes through alongside the group winners. With the table this tight, every remaining Group A fixture carries real weight.
Be There for the Drama
Group A is shaping up to be one of the most competitive sections of the tournament, and there is plenty still to play for. Browse every available fixture on our World Cup 2026 tickets page and secure your seat before the biggest games sell out.
