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World Cup 2026: What South Africa, South Korea, and Czech Republic Need to Advance from Group A

The 2026 World Cup is approaching the end of its group stage, with teams battling for a place in the knockout rounds. Out of 48 teams, 32 will move forward. The top two from each group qualify automatically, along with the eight best third-placed teams across all groups.

In Group A, Mexico has already secured their spot and clinched first place after beating both South Africa and South Korea. They hold a better head-to-head record than Korea, who are the only team that can still tie on points with them.

South Korea currently sit second with three points, while South Africa and Czech Republic have one point each. All three still have a chance to advance.

How South Korea Can Qualify

South Korea need to avoid losing against South Africa in their final match on Thursday, June 25 (2am BST) to secure progression.

  • A win puts them on six points, guaranteeing second place in the group.
  • A draw gives them four points, equal to what Czech Republic could reach. South Korea would then advance based on their head-to-head record over the Czechs.

If South Korea lose, South Africa leapfrog them in the standings. In that case, Korea would rely on how Czech Republic performs against Mexico to see if they can still finish third with three points.

South Africa’s Route to the Round of 32

Currently bottom of Group A with only one point from a draw against Czech Republic, South Africa must defeat South Korea or achieve a better result than Czech Republic to have a shot at qualifying.

  • Beating South Korea would put South Africa ahead of them, earning four points, which might be enough for at least third place depending on the Mexico-Czech match.
  • A loss would almost certainly end their tournament.
  • A draw leaves them with two points, likely too low to be among the best third-placed teams.

What Czech Republic Needs to Progress

The Czech Republic face a difficult path. They must beat Mexico in their last group game to have a chance.

  • A win gives them four points, which should secure at least third place, possibly one of the best eight third-place spots.
  • If South Africa loses to South Korea, Czech Republic could finish third outright.
  • A draw against Mexico leaves them on two points, probably not enough to advance.

Head-to-Head Records Over Goal Difference

If teams finish tied on points, their rankings will be decided by head-to-head results. When two teams share the same points, whoever won their direct match ranks higher.

With more than two teams tied, a mini-league considers only the matches among those teams, ranking them by points earned, then goal difference and goals scored within those games. If no separation happens there, overall group goal difference and goals scored become relevant.

Further Tiebreakers

If teams remain level after all criteria, the Team Conduct Score (TCS) is used. This fair play metric deducts points for cards received during the group stage:

  • Yellow card: -1
  • Two yellows leading to a red: -3
  • Straight red card: -4
  • Yellow followed by straight red: -5

The team with the fewest deductions ranks higher. Should equality persist, the higher FIFA ranking from June decides the placement.

Determining the Best Third-Place Teams

Eight third-placed teams will advance based on points earned. If multiple teams tie on points, goal difference becomes the deciding factor.

Usually, third-place teams with four points or more qualify. Those with three points need a strong goal difference to make it through.

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