Mexico will be looking to end an unlucky World Cup streak when they face South Africa in the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mexico learned their 2026 FIFA World Cup draw on Friday, slotting into Group A alongside South Korea, South Africa and the winner of UEFA Playoff D.

The Mexico national team learned its fate for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the first 48-team World Cup was drawn in Washington, D.C. El Tri’s World Cup destiny was revealed and Javier Aguirre can begin detailed preparations before Mexico takes the pitch in 188 days in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11 with joint-hosts Mexico playing South Africa at the Azteca Stadium - iconic venue of the 1970 and 1986 finals - followed by South Korea against a playoff winner after the complex draw was made on Friday.

El Tri themselves in the group against South Korea, South Africa, and the eventual winner of the FIFA playoff winner D. The future winner means either Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, or Ireland will join Group A for the 2026 World Cup. There are plenty of teams that will hold Mexico's hand down the tournament memory lane.

Mexico will face South Africa, South Korea and a currently undetermined European opponent in the 2026 World Cup group stage.

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.

Ronaldo, one of the world’s greatest soccer players, will lead his Portugal side in a friendly match against Mexico’s national team this March.