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The World Cup is just six days away, and the teams in Group A are already fine-tuning the final details ahead of their debut on Thursday, June 11. After wrapping up their international friendly matches, the teams will focus solely on preparing for soccer’s biggest event.
The opening match will be played between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Ciudad de México (Mexico City Stadium), a historic venue hosting its third World Cup. This matchup will mark a milestone in World Cup history, as it is the first time an opening match has been exactly repeated, mirroring what happened in South Africa 2010.
Oddsmakers favor the host nation, Mexico, to win the group. The Aztecs’ main competition will be South Korea, though a surprise from the Czech Republic cannot be ruled out, as the team is in good form after eliminating Northern Ireland and Denmark in the European playoffs.
Historically, the Mexican team boasts the longest track record, with 17 appearances, though it has never made the podium. But the South Koreans have established themselves as an Asian powerhouse with 11 World Cup appearances and a memorable fourth-place finish in 2002.
The Czech Republic is making just its second appearance as an independent nation since World Cup Germany 2006, though it carries the legacy of the former Czechoslovakia’s two runner-up finishes in 1934 and 1962. Finally, South Africa returns to the tournament after a 16-year absence, having secured a dramatic qualification against Rwanda, and aims to advance past the group stage for the first time.
On the sidelines, there will be a clash of experience. Mexico and South Korea began processes in July 2024 with Javier Aguirre and Hong Myung-bo, respectively. Meanwhile, Miroslav Koubek took over as head coach of the Czech Republic in December 2025, while the experienced Hugo Broos has led South Africa since May 2021.
As for star players, the Mexican squad lacks a standout figure in European elite football but is counting on the experience of forward Raúl Jiménez from his last World Cup appearance. The defense will be led by Johan Vásquez of Italy’s Genoa, complemented by the youth of Gilberto Mora, the 17-year-old prospect from the Xolos de Tijuana.
South Korea boasts internationally renowned names, led by the legendary Heung-min Son, alongside Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich and Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain. The Czech Republic also features players with proven track records in major leagues, such as Patrik Schick of Bayer Leverkusen, Tomáš Souček of West Ham, and Ladislav Krejčí of Wolverhampton.
The South African national team will pin its hopes on the attacking threat of Lyle Foster and the defensive solidity of 20-year-old center back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who plays for the Chicago Fire in MLS.
The full match schedule kicks off on June 11 with Mexico vs. South Africa at 1 p.m., followed by South Korea vs. the Czech Republic at 8 p.m. at Estadio Guadalajara. Matchday 2 will be played on Thursday, June 18, featuring the Czech Republic vs. South Africa and Mexico vs. South Korea. The group stage will conclude on Wednesday, June 24, with simultaneous matches between South Africa and South Korea, and Mexico and the Czech Republic.
Translated and edited by Debra Fairbanks
