Group A scenarios at the 2026 World Cup ahead of the final round

The final round of the group stage will take place in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mexico will face Czechia, while South Korea will take on South Africa.

Mexico have already secured first place in the group, so the final match has no tournament significance for the team. However, an important change is expected in the hosts’ lineup: Guillermo Ochoa will not play, while 17-year-old Gilberto Mora is set to start.

For the young Mexican, this match could become historic. If Mora scores, he will become the second-youngest goalscorer in World Cup history. Only Pele would remain younger than him, having scored at the 1958 World Cup at an age just 15 days younger.

The main intrigue in the group is the battle for second place. Czechia need only a win over Mexico to qualify directly for the Round of 32. At the same time, South Korea must lose to South Africa, but not by a heavy margin — otherwise, South Africa could move ahead of Czechia on goal difference.

South Korea only need a draw against South Africa to keep second place. A win will not lift them to the top of the group, as Mexico are already out of reach. But a defeat could be critical: in that case, South Korea risk dropping all the way to last place in the group.

South Africa need only a win to stay in contention. Ideally, it should be a big win, especially if Czechia also beat Mexico. Still, even a narrow victory would almost certainly leave South Africa with good chances of reaching the playoffs from third place.

If both matches end in draws, the third-placed team in Group A will practically lose its chances of advancing through the ranking of the best third-placed teams.

Final-round matches in Group A

Mexico — Czechia
South Korea — South Africa

Standings before Matchday 3

1. Mexico — 6 points, +3 goal difference
2. South Korea — 3 points, 0
3. Czechia — 1 point, -1
4. South Africa — 1 point, -2