The second round of Group A matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded on Thursday, with Mexico recording a win over South Korea and the Czech Republic drawing against South Africa.
Luis Romo scored the only goal of the match for the co-hosts in Guadalajara, while Michal Sadilek’s opener for the Czech Republic was canceled out by a late penalty from Teboho Mokoena.
Group A Points Table
| Position | Team | Played | wins | Pulls | To lose | GD | Points |
| 1. | Mexico | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | +3 | 6 |
| 2. | South Korea | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 3. | Czech Republic | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
| 4. | South Africa | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -2 | 1 |
Qualifying Scenario:
Mexico became the first team in the tournament to seal their passage to the round of 32 after back-to-back wins in Group A. Up to two teams from the group can now qualify.
South Korea can seal their place in the last 32 with a win in the final group match against South Africa. A draw will also be enough for the Asian country, because it has the head-to-head advantage over the Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic will need a win against Mexico and hope South Africa beats South Korea to reach the top two. The top eight third-place teams in the competition will also advance to the round of 32, so the Czech Republic will still remain in contention even if Korea’s result doesn’t go their way.
If the Czech Republic draws or loses to Mexico in its final match and South Africa succumbs to Korea, it will still finish in third place but have a minimal chance of finishing in the top eight.
South Africa can qualify if it beats South Korea in the final and Mexico beats the Czech Republic. The mutual victory over Korea immediately takes the country to second place in the rankings.
Published on June 19, 2026
