World Cup Group A: Mexico Perfect as Co-Hosts Top the Group

Archive photo: Mexico supporters in the stands at the Concacaf Nations League Finals at SoFi Stadium on March 20, 2025. Photo: ESO Soccer archive.

Co-hosts Mexico won all three games without conceding a goal, opening the tournament with a 2-0 win over South Africa in a game with three red cards. South Africa recovered to finish second, beating South Korea 1-0 in their final game, while Korea, who had beaten Czechia in their opener, finished third and did not advance.

Results: South Korea 2-1 Czechia; Mexico 2-0 South Africa; Czechia 1-1 South Africa; Mexico 1-0 South Korea; South Africa 1-0 South Korea; Czechia 0-3 Mexico.
Top scorer: Julián Quiñones (Mexico), 2.
After the group: Mexico beat Ecuador, their first knockout win since 1986, then lost 3-2 to England in the Round of 16. South Africa lost 1-0 to Canada in the Round of 32.

ESO Soccer Desk

Archive coverage. First published on ESO Soccer on October 1, 2026. The archive date reflects the events covered.