Group A has already delivered plenty of drama at the 2026 World Cup, with Mexico and South Korea both making winning starts to their campaigns. The co-hosts now sit top of the group after beating South Africa, while South Korea’s comeback victory over the Czech Republic has set up a crucial showdown between the two early leaders.
World Cup 2026 Group A Odds and Predictions: Mexico and South Korea Set the Pace
- What are the latest World Cup Group A odds?
- See our 15/8 Group A value prediction
- Group A teams and players to watch
REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
South Korea have the tools to cause an upset in Group A...
In this article, we break down the World Cup 2026 Group A odds within the wider World Cup odds market and provide our World Cup Group A predictions, focusing on the latest qualification picture, the key betting angles and where the value may lie as the group stage unfolds.
World Cup 2026 Group A odds
Below are the latest World Cup 2026 Group A odds following the opening round of fixtures. As always, it’s worth checking the best betting sites first to find the best price or promotions available.
| Team | To Win Group | To Qualify | To Not Qualify |
|---|---|---|---|
 Mexico |
8/15 (65.2%) | 1/100 (99.0%) | 25/1 (3.8%) |
 South Korea |
2/1 (33.3%) | 1/16 (94.1%) | 9/1 (10.0%) |
 Czech Republic |
12/1 (7.7%) | 8/15 (65.2%) | 11/8 (42.1%) |
 South Africa |
125/1 (0.8%) | 4/1 (20.0%) | 1/6 (85.7%) |
Odds provided by bet365 – accurate as of 16th June.
Group A winner odds live
World Cup Group A predictions and best bets
Mexico/South Korea Dual Forecast – 15/8 🔻 1/5
One of my favourite pre-tournament bets was Mexico and South Korea to finish in the top two in either order. After both nations won their opening fixtures, that selection is already in a strong position, with the meeting between the two sides on 19th June now likely to determine who tops the group rather than who qualifies.
Czech Republic to not qualify – 5/4 ▲ 11/8
My other pre-tournament selection was Czech Republic not to qualify at 5/4, and I’m sticking with it despite the slight drift to 11/8. An opening defeat to South Korea has left them playing catch-up in the race for the knockout stage, and while qualification through a best third-placed spot remains possible, they have already left themselves with far less margin for error than their rivals.
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Mexico Group A odds
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Mexico entered the tournament as Group A favourites and have only strengthened that position after opening with a victory over South Africa. The co-hosts now look well placed to top the group, with home advantage, familiarity with the venues and the backing of passionate home support all proving significant assets.
While the market has reacted to Mexico’s strong start, there could still be value elsewhere in Group A betting. The race for the remaining qualification places remains wide open, meaning qualification and dual forecast markets may offer better opportunities than backing Mexico at short odds.
Mexico vs South Korea best odds
Czech Republic Group A odds
The Czech Republic entered Group A as one of the favourites to qualify, but an opening defeat to South Korea has left them with work to do. They remain well organised and tactically disciplined, yet their lack of cutting edge in the final third was evident and they now face increased pressure heading into their remaining fixtures.
Despite sitting behind Mexico and South Korea after the opening round of matches, the Czech Republic are still in the hunt for the knockout stage, with the expanded format offering a potential route through as one of the best third-placed teams. However, another defeat would leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
If the Czech Republic reach the knockout stage, they will face another stern test in the Round of 32. The latest World Cup Group B odds suggest several strong contenders could await, making every point in Group A potentially crucial when it comes to securing a favourable route through the knockout stages.
Czech Republic vs South Africa best odds
South Korea Group A odds
South Korea have enjoyed one of the biggest market moves in Group A after coming from behind to beat the Czech Republic in their opening fixture. Their impressive comeback has strengthened their position in the qualification race and left them well placed to challenge Mexico for top spot.
Pre-tournament, the bookmakers rated South Korea and the Czech Republic closely, but that opening victory has shifted the balance. South Korea now hold a three-point advantage over their rivals and head into the remainder of the group stage with momentum firmly on their side, making them one of the standout movers in the Group A betting market.
South Africa Group A odds
South Africa’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage suffered an early setback after defeat to Mexico in their opening match, leaving them with little margin for error in the remainder of Group A. The result has seen them become even bigger outsiders to progress, with qualification now looking a difficult task.
Despite showing moments of promise, indiscipline proved costly as South Africa finished the match with nine men following two red cards. With suspensions now adding to their problems, they may need a strong finish and potentially a place among the best third-placed teams to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Group A teams and players to watch
While Mexico have made the perfect start to the tournament, the real intrigue in Group A remains the battle for qualification behind the hosts. To map out the potential path through the knockout stages, check our printable World Cup schedule, which tracks every fixture from the opening match through to the final.
Group A team to watch: South Korea
South Korea have justified plenty of pre-tournament support with an impressive comeback victory over the Czech Republic and now look well placed to reach the knockout stage. Their pace, organisation and ability to transition quickly make them dangerous opponents, while the upcoming clash with Mexico could decide who tops the group.
Group A players to watch: Son Heung-min and Raul Jimenez
Son Heung-min remains the standout player in Group A and will be central to South Korea’s hopes of progressing. His pace and ability to produce moments of quality in tight matches make him one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking threats.
For Mexico, Raul Jimenez underlined his importance by scoring in the opening win over South Africa. The experienced striker looks set to lead the line throughout the tournament and could be an interesting option in the latest World Cup player props markets if Mexico continue to create chances.
Group A odds: Players to bet on
REUTERS/Rogan Ward
World Cup 2026 top scorer odds
While the Golden Boot is a tournament-long market, Group A still offers a few interesting early angles for bettors looking at outsider selections in the World Cup top scorer odds.
| Player | Team | Previous Odds | Current Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raul Jimenez | Mexico | 100/1 | 🔻 50/1 |
| Patrik Schick | Czech Republic | 100/1 | ➖ 100/1 |
| Son Heung-min | South Korea | 150/1 | ➖ 150/1 |
| Lyle Foster | South Africa | 1000/1 | ➖ 1000/1 |
Odds provided by bet365 – accurate as of 16th June.
World Cup 2026 Group A fixtures and results
Keep track of fixtures, results and live prices through the latest World Cup news hubs, with the World Cup Group A odds expected to move as we get closer to kick-off.
| Match | When/Where | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico vs South Africa | Thursday 11th June, 19:00 UTC, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City | Mexico vs South Africa predictions |
| South Korea vs Czech Republic | Friday 12th June, 02:00 UTC, Estadio Akron, Zapopan | South Korea vs Czech Republic odds |
| Czech Republic vs South Africa | Thursday 18th June, 16:00 UTC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | Czech Republic vs South Africa predictions |
| Mexico vs South Korea | Friday 19th June, 01:00 UTC, Estadio Akron, Zapopan | Mexico vs South Korea predictions |
| Czech Republic vs Mexico | Thursday 25th June, 01:00 UTC, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City | Czech Republic vs Mexico predictions |
| South Africa vs South Korea | Thursday 25th June, 01:00 UTC, Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe | South Africa vs South Korea predictions |
World Cup 2026 Group A table
Group standings will evolve quickly, with goal difference potentially decisive. Follow live updates via our official World Cup standings page.
Other World Cup Group odds
We have provided our World Cup predictions for all 12 groups so you can get ahead of the game before the tournament starts on 11th June:
- World Cup 2026 Group B Odds and Predictions
- World Cup 2026 Group C Odds and Predictions
- World Cup 2026 Group D Odds and Predictions
- World Cup 2026 Group E Odds and Predictions
- World Cup 2026 Group F Odds and Predictions
- World Cup 2026 Group G Odds and Predictions
- World Cup 2026 Group H Odds and Predictions
- World Cup 2026 Group I Odds and Predictions
- World Cup 2026 Group J Odds and Predictions
- World Cup 2026 Group K Odds and Predictions
- World Cup 2026 Group L Odds and Predictions
Get the most out of your Group A predictions
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It’s worth comparing offers carefully, especially if you’re betting across multiple angles, from group winners all the way through to World Cup winner odds.
Group A odds and predictions FAQs
Who is the favourite to win Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Mexico have strengthened their position as Group A favourites after opening the tournament with a victory over South Africa. Backed by home advantage and early momentum, the co-hosts are now firmly expected to top the group, although South Korea remain within touching distance after their own winning start.
Which team in Group A could spring a surprise?
South Korea have already shown why many viewed them as the dark horses in Group A, coming from behind to beat the Czech Republic in their opening match. With momentum on their side and a decisive clash with Mexico still to come, they have a realistic chance of challenging for top spot.
Who are the players to watch in World Cup Group A?
Raul Jimenez has immediately become one of the standout players in Group A after scoring in Mexico’s opening victory, while Son Heung-min remains South Korea’s biggest attacking threat. Both could have a major influence on the battle for qualification over the remaining group-stage fixtures.
Where is the best value in the World Cup Group A odds?
The value has shifted since the opening round of matches, but South Korea’s pre-tournament price to win the group already looks an excellent bet. Czech Republic not to qualify also remains an interesting angle despite a slight drift in the market, with the opening defeat leaving them with work to do.
Which team in Group A is most likely to be eliminated?
South Africa now face an uphill battle to reach the knockout stage after losing their opening fixture to Mexico. The defeat, coupled with two red cards and the resulting suspensions, has left them needing a strong response if they are to force their way into contention for one of the qualification places.
Stuart Brown
