The Mexican national team, co-host of the tournament, already knows part of its fate in the 2026 World Cup. It leads Group A and will face South Africa, South Korea, and the winner of the UEFA playoff, which will come from a group that includes Denmark, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.

Korea and Mexico enjoyed a soccer brotherhood in 2018 after Kim Young-gwon and Son Heung-min’s stoppage time goals helped Mexico clinch passage to the knockout stage despite a 3-0 loss to Sweden. The good vibes only continued with Son arriving in Los Angeles to join LAFC, a club with a large Mexican fan base, this summer.

Team USA's group opponents and group-play schedule were officially announced Friday as part of the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.