Mexico make history with 3 wins.. Ochoa’s 6th, South Africa qualify

World Cup 2026 – Group A: Mexico beat Czechia 3-0 to achieve a perfect record for the first time in their World Cup history with the appearance of legendary goalkeeper Ochoa, and South Africa turn their fortunes from loss and draw to a precious win over South Korea to book a Round of 32 spot

There was no room for calculations or waiting in Group A of the 2026 World Cup, as both final-round matches were played simultaneously to prevent any potential manipulation. The outcome saw Mexico secure top spot with a perfect record, while South Africa snatched the second qualification ticket after a night that kept hearts racing until the final whistle.

Mexico entered their match against Czechia having already secured top spot and qualification to the Round of 32, but Javier Aguirre’s men refused to settle for what they had already achieved.

After a balanced first half, the hosts imposed their rhythm in the second period, with Mateo Chávez opening the scoring in the 55th minute, before Julián Quiñones doubled the lead just six minutes later, paving the way for “El Tri” towards a third consecutive victory.

Ochoa steals the spotlight.. the legendary goalkeeper’s sixth appearance

The evening gained an extra dimension when Aguirre brought on legendary goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, allowing the 40-year-old veteran to make his sixth World Cup appearance in one of the standout moments of the round, before Álvaro Fidalgo completed the treble in stoppage time.

With this victory, Mexico achieved an unprecedented feat in their World Cup history, winning all their group stage matches for the first time, while also keeping a clean sheet throughout the group stage for the first time since the 1970 World Cup.

ملخص مباراة تشيكيا والمكسيك | دور المجموعات – كأس العالم FIFA 2026™#كأس_العالم2026 | #مونديال2026 | #كأس_العالم#FIFAWorldCup2026 | #FIFAWorldCup | #beINWC26 pic.twitter.com/UKW0hYnWTT

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) June 25, 2026

From loss and draw to qualification.. South Africa complete the toughest mission

In the other simultaneous match, South Africa wrote one of the most remarkable stories of the final round. The team that started their campaign with a loss to Mexico, then snatched a late draw against Czechia, entered their decisive clash against South Korea knowing that only a win would keep their hopes alive.

Despite a strong start from the Korean side, Hugo Broos’ players held firm under pressure, before delivering the decisive blow through Thabello Masikho, who capitalised on a pass from substitute Tshepang Moremi to score the only goal of the match, giving “Bafana Bafana” a historic victory and a ticket to the Round of 32.

ملخص مباراة جنوب إفريقيا وكوريا الجنوبية | دور المجموعات – كأس العالم FIFA 2026™ #كأس_العالم2026 | #مونديال2026 | #كأس_العالم#beINWC26 | #FIFAWorldCup2026 | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Ked80bznxS

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) June 25, 2026

South Korea.. a performance worth more than 3 points.. the Koreans haven’t left yet

Perhaps South Korea were the team that paid the highest price for the harsh details in this group. They deserved to win against Czechia, put in a strong performance against Mexico without getting the result that reflected their display, and repeated the same pattern against South Africa, dominating long periods but lacking the cutting edge in front of goal.

In the end, good performances weren’t enough to secure one of the two direct qualification spots. South Korea left the pitch with just 3 points, but they haven’t fully exited the tournament. They currently sit fourth in the ranking of third-placed teams, with the best 8 third-placed teams across all groups qualifying for the Round of 32.

South Korea now await the results from the remaining groups to find out if their World Cup 2026 journey will continue.

Group A at the 2026 World Cup.. Mexico first, South Africa through to Round of 32

And so the curtain fell on Group A with Mexico topping the group on 9 points, followed by South Africa on 4 points, while South Korea finished third with 3 points, and Czechia fourth with a single point.

Mexico will enter the knockout stages with perfect numbers and growing confidence, while South Africa reach the Round of 32 after a tough journey that saw them turn their fortunes from a loss and a draw to a deserved qualification, while the Asian Tigers remain in contention pending other results.

Group A results at the conclusion of the third round:

🇲🇽 Mexico 2 – 0 South Africa 🇿🇦

🇰🇷 South Korea 2 – 1 Czechia 🇨🇿

🇲🇽 Mexico 1 – 0 South Korea 🇰🇷

🇨🇿 Czechia 1 – 1 South Africa 🇿🇦

🇲🇽 Mexico 3 – 0 Czechia 🇨🇿

🇿🇦 South Africa 1 – 0 South Korea 🇰🇷

Group A standings

Rank	Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	Mexico	3	3	0	0	6	0	+6	9
2	South Africa	3	1	1	1	2	3	-1	4
3	South Korea	3	1	0	2	2	3	-1	3
4	Czechia	3	0	1	2	2	6	-4	1