Mexico and South Africa are set to open the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11 at the Mexico City Stadium, mirroring the tournament’s 2010 kickoff. South Africa returns to the finals after a significant absence, while South Korea and the Czech Republic also feature in the same group. South Korea, making its 12th World Cup appearance, aims to improve on its previous performances, with the Czech Republic back after a 20-year hiatus.
Mexico, hosting the World Cup for the third time, seeks a deeper run than its recent outings. Under coach Javier Aguirre, the team emphasizes pressing and quick transitions over possession. With a flexible system and a mix of youth and experience, Mexico’s squad, led by Raul Jimenez, aims to capitalize on local support for a successful campaign.
South Africa, led by coach Hugo Broos, has shown notable improvement, qualifying for three consecutive major tournaments. The team, reliant on domestic league players, focuses on collective effort and counterattacking football. Players like Teboho Mokoena and Relebohile Mofokeng are key figures expected to drive South Africa’s performance in the World Cup.
South Korea, the most experienced Asian team in World Cup history, navigated through qualifying unbeaten. However, injuries and inconsistent form among key players like Son Heung-min pose challenges. The team, with a mix of quality and experience, aims to advance to the knockout rounds, led by star player Son and emerging talent Oh Hyeon-gyu.
The Czech Republic, known for organization and physicality, secured its World Cup spot through a playoff win. With a focus on set pieces and a strong spine including Tomas Soucek and Patrik Schick, the team aims to progress despite unique preparation challenges. Coach Miroslav Koubek’s stability and a competitive squad set the stage for a determined Czech Republic side in the tournament.
