World Cup Group A Betting Guide: Betfair traders rate Czech Republic, Mexico, South Africa and South Korea

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Czech Republic

Odds to win the World Cup: 500/1501.00
Odds to win Group A: 7/24.50

Profile  

Czech Republic arrive at the 2026 World Cup for the first time in 20 years. When they were part of Czechoslovakia, they reached the final twice, in 1934 and 1962. Since becoming an independent nation, they have only qualified once before, in 2006, when they were knocked out in the first round. This is not a Czech golden generation but, what they lack in star power, they make up for in structure and mental toughness.

How they qualified 

They were in a mini-league of one in their original qualifying group, finishing six points behind Group L winners Croatia and four points above third-placed Faroe Islands. The Czechs' failure to qualify automatically spelled the end for former boss Ivan Hasek. Qualification for World Cup 2026 was ultimately secured via the UEFA play-offs with a little help from home advantage against both the Republic of Ireland and Denmark. It was not smooth sailing, but they got there by winning both games on penalties.

The Manager 

Miroslav Koubek took over for the play-offs. The 74-year-old built his reputation as a manager through three spells at Viktoria Plzen, winning the league title in 2015. He's old school - disciplined, pragmatic, and no-nonsense - but he clearly has the respect of his players, many of whom he's coached at club level. His philosophy is simple: be hard to beat, quick in transition, and mentally tough when it counts.

The Squad 

The Czech Republic have a physically imposing squad featuring several players well over 6ft. Koubek's preferred structure provides defensive stability through a back three, allowing for attacking wing-backs and a central playmaker to support the strikers.

Tomáš Souček, one of the most recognisable names to Premier League fans, and the prolific Patrik Schick are the team's leading goal threats. Elsewhere in the squad, players like Pavel Šulc at Olympique Lyon, defender Ladislav Krejčí at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and goalkeeper Matěj Kovář at PSV Eindhoven reflect a squad with genuine quality across European football.

Key Man

It's hard to look past the goalscoring record of Patrik Schick when looking for the player most likely to make an impact. Now 30, the Bayer Leverkusen striker has perhaps fallen short of the expectations many had for his international career, due to injury and his team's lack of World Cup presence, but 25 goals in 50 appearances tells its own story. Schick is a treble winner with Leverkusen and an occasional scorer of spectacular goals. If he's fit and firing, he gives Czech Republic something special.

One to watch 

Having established himself at Olympique Lyon, Pavel Šulc has developed into one of the most exciting Czech players of his generation. Listed as a forward in the preliminary squad, he offers versatility and a direct, progressive style that suits Koubek's transition-based approach.

Tournament prospects 

Mexico look the most likely winners of Group A, with home advantage giving them a clear edge. The real interest is in the fight for second, where Czech Republic and South Korea appear closely matched. The opening match between South Korea and Czech Republic is effectively a crunch match that could dictate qualification early on. Win that, and Czech Republic are well placed to advance. Lose it, and they'll be playing catch-up.

Author: Ciaran Sweeney

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Mexico

Odds to win the World Cup: 66/167.00
Odds to win Group A: 8/111.73

Profile

Mexico's performance at the 2022 Qatar World Cup was disappointing, as they failed to advance from the Group stage, ending a streak of seven consecutive Round of 16 appearances. While Mexico reached the quarter-finals as hosts of two World Cups, they have not progressed beyond the Round of 16 since 1986. Success would be getting to the quarter-final stage again.

How they qualified

As co-hosts, Mexico bypassed the qualifying process for the 2026 World Cup but have been keeping busy. Last year they claimed the Concacaf Nations League with a victory over Panama before capturing their 13th Gold Cup title, defeating the USA 2-1 in the final in Houston. However, their form did falter in subsequent friendlies although the positive is they were against good opposition (Japan, South Korea, four South American teams, Portugal and Belgium). Form started to pick up again with wins over Ghana (2-0), Australia (1-0) and Serbia (5-1) in the last two weeks.

The Manager

Javier Aguirre is in his third spell as Mexico manager and will oversee his third World Cup campaign. His appointment followed a turbulent period for the national team, and he has tasked himself with restoring order and stability.

Aguirre's pedigree with Mexico runs deep. As a player, he earned 59 international caps between 1983 and 1992, scoring 13. He was part of the 1986 World Cup squad on home soil where in the quarter-final against West Germany he was sent off, becoming the first Mexican player ever dismissed in a World Cup match.

The Squad

Played 4-1-4-1 in three of five games this year, including last two friendlies. Used 4-2-3-1 in the other two. Set piece threats Captain Edson Alvarez, Cesar Montes, Raul Jimenez all may be worth a look in our Headed Goals and Headed SOT markets. Mexico have an aggressive press and could see any number of players commit numerous tackles and/or fouls. Keep an eye on Erik Lira in midfield for these markets and central defender Cesar.

Full backs like to get high and wide, and overlap so Jorge Sanchez and Jesus Gallardo could provide plenty of crosses for Raul Jimenez, meaning both full backs could be worth a look in our new Shots Created market.

Key Man

A consistent threat and goal scorer wherever he's played (Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Wolves, Fulham), this will be Raul Jimenez's fourth World Cup. Despite his pedigree, the opener against South Africa will be the first match he will actually start at the finals. He should be seen as a key man for Mexico and, having scored nine times in 14 appearances for Mexico in 2025, including goal in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final vs USA, the now 35-year-old is ready to make an impact.

One to watch

Gilberto Mora, 17, is one of Mexico's brightest young talents. After helping Mexico win the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup (assist in the semi-final, started the final), he enters his first World Cup as the tournament's youngest player and could announce himself on the big stage. He scored three goals at the U20 World Cup last year.

Tournament Prospects

The co-hosts start the tournament with a meeting against South Africa in Mexico City. Home advantage brings not just the support of the crowd, but also the high altitude. Especially as they like to press and opposition teams could struggle late in games. No team has lost more matches at a World Cup than Mexico, so do not expect them to go all the way, there will be a knock out defeat some stage, but if it comes in the quarter-finals or beyond, then it will have been a successful World Cup for this host nation.

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South Africa

Odds to win the World Cup: 500/1501.00
Odds to win Group A: 11/112.00

Profile

South Africa return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010, and there is genuine optimism surrounding Bafana Bafana. After years of inconsistency and underachievement, the national side has re-established itself as a competitive force in African football. The current squad combines experienced domestic winners with an emerging generation of younger players now beginning to establish themselves abroad.

How they qualified

South Africa came through a highly competitive qualification group that included Nigeria, Benin, Rwanda and Lesotho. They topped the section despite receiving a three-point deduction during the campaign, highlighting both their consistency and resilience. Their qualification was built on defensive organisation and strong home performances rather than overwhelming attacking output. They're difficult to break down and finished qualifying with one of the better defensive records among African teams.

The Manager

Belgian coach Hugo Broos has been central to South Africa's revival since taking charge in 2021. An experienced international manager who previously won the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon, Broos has brought structure, discipline and tactical clarity to the team. His greatest achievement has arguably been creating a clear identity around a largely domestically-based squad. South Africa are now compact without the ball, aggressive in midfield and increasingly dangerous in transition.

Squad

The South African squad is shaped by the success of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, with strong domestic chemistry evident throughout the team. Captain Ronwen Williams provides leadership and reliability in goal, while Teboho Mokoena controls midfield and contributes heavily from set-pieces. In attack, Burnley forward Lyle Foster is the standout international-based player and will likely be the focal point of their counter-attacking approach. Younger players such as Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota and Tylon Smith add energy and technical quality.

Key Man

Foster is the player most likely to define South Africa's World Cup campaign. The Burnley striker combines pace, physicality and direct running, making him ideally suited

to the type of transitional football South Africa are expected to play against stronger opponents. Foster has become increasingly important for the national side over the past two years and is now the primary goal threat within the squad. His movement behind defensive lines and ability to create chances independently will be crucial if South Africa are to progress.

One to watch

Relebohile Mofokeng is one of the most exciting young players in South African football. The Orlando Pirates winger has quickly developed a reputation for his dribbling ability, creativity and fearlessness in one-on-one situations. Although still inexperienced at international level compared to some teammates, he offers a level of unpredictability that South Africa have often lacked in previous tournaments. His ability to win fouls, beat defenders and create moments in transition could be important.

Tournament Prospects

South Africa's primary objective will be reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history. While they may not possess the overall talent level of the tournament's strongest teams, they are more organised and tactically coherent than many sides outside the elite tier. If they stay compact and continue to perform effectively from set-pieces and counter-attacks, South Africa are capable of competing for qualification from the group.

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South Korea

Odds to win the World Cup: 500/1501.00
Odds to win Group A: 7/24.50

Profile

This is the 11th consecutive World Cup for the 'Taegeuk Warriors', who have reached the knockout stages three times, including their run to the semi-finals in the 2002 World Cup that they co-hosted. South Korea have a great chance to progress again to the knockout stages in a more even group A.

How they qualified

South Korea topped their group undefeated in the second round of qualifying, featuring landslide 7-0 and 5-0 wins against Singapore and only conceding one goal in six matches with a goal difference of 19. This took them to the third round where again they stayed undefeated, winning six out of 10 matches, sending them to the World Cup six points clear at the top of their group.

The Manager

Myung-Bo Hong. A former legendary defender for South Korea, playing in four World Cups between 1990 and 2002. He took charge of the team before the 2014 World Cup but was sacked with a win rate of 26% and his team winless in the tournament. He returned in 2024 with a much better win rate of 57% and has led South Korea through this undefeated run in qualifying in his 10 competitive games in charge.

The Squad

South Korea generally line up in a flexible 4-2-3-1 system but have experimented greatly with different formations in the lead-up to the tournament. Their biggest strength comes from their fluid attack with players like Son Heung-Min and Hwang Hee-Chan who can create chances for themselves and others. Their hard-working midfield can make things difficult for the opposition but can be exposed to counter-attacks if drawn forwards. Defensively they are commanded by Bayern Munich's Kim Min-Jae.

Key Man

Son Heung-Min. Undeniably South Korea's greatest player may be in the twilight of his career but the team still revolves around him. The ex-Spurs star is a creative maestro who can both run the midfield and produce extraordinary finishes. He has produced two goals and 15 assists in 20 matches this season for Los Angeles FC and if he can keep that form going into the tournament, South Korea become a dark horse for a deep run.

One to watch

Kang-In Lee. The 25-year-old has become a reliable starter for PSG in his three seasons there and a pivotal part of South Korea's attack. In his more forward position for his country, he produced five goals and six assists in 15 of South Korea's qualifying matches.

Tournament Prospects

South Korea should be qualifying for the knockout stages, especially with the extra third place qualifiers. They must find a way to get points in very competitive matches against Czechia and hosts Mexico. If they finish third in the group, they could face strong opponents, such as Germany or Belgium, in the round of 32. Finishing first or second could grant them a matchup against a side like Canada and a much more promising chance of progressing to the later stages.

Author: Raedan Fernandez

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World Cup Tips: How to bet Group A

Mexico to Win Group A @ 4/61.67

As mentioned above, home advantage for Mexico means a supportive home crowd and playing at high altitude, something other countries will not be accustomed to and could struggle with. They arrive on the back of wins in friendlies and will want to create a feel good factor in the country by making a strong start.

South Korea to be Top AFC Team @ 6/42.50

South Korea's consistency at finals means they arguably have the strongest pedigree of all the AFC teams. With Son Heung-min used to playing in the US, after his season with LA, they are in a good position to do well again. And remember, Betfair pay ties in this market.

Patrick Schick to score 2 or more goals @ 6/42.50

The Czech star was the joint-top scorer at the Euros five years ago so knows where the goal is when it comes to international tournaments. If the Czechs are to make the most of their trip to the finals, Schick will need to make an impact.

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