The FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted by Canada, the USA, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, will advance to the knockout stage. Here is my analysis of Groups A, B and C and which teams could advance to the Round of 32
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic
Mexico, one of the tournament’s hosts, enters the Cup with an experienced attacking squad. Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa’s return is a good call in my opinion as although he is 40 year-old, he has always been El Tri’s backbone and gives them a confidence that not many others can provide.
South Korea has one of the strongest squads in its recent history. Led by captain Son Heung-min, the team has the talent and experience to advance from the group stage.
Mexican Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa
Photo: Guillermo Ochoa – Shutterstock – user: Dokshin Vlad – ID: 1128771776
South Africa and the Czech Republic have the least amount of experience in this group. South Africa last appeared in 2010, while the Czech Republic last qualified in 2006. I think both have a chance to advance as a third-place team depending on results elsewhere.
My prediction is that Mexico and South Korea will advance, with the winner of their head-to-head matchup likely determining the group champion. I think the Czech Republic have a slight edge in the race for third place.
Group B: Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Canada, another tournament host, has the advantage of being on home soil. The Canadians were considered one of the favorites to advance from the group, but injuries could complicate their path.
Defender Alphonso Davies is expected to miss Canada’s opener, while defender Moise Bombito, according to TSN, is being replaced from the roster due to leg injury. Winger Marcelo Flores was also left off of the roster after rupturing his ACL on May 30 during the Concacaf Champions Cup final between Mexico’s Toluca and Tigres UANL.
Bosnia and Herzegovina enters the tournament in strong form despite not being viewed as a group favorite. The team secured qualification by defeating Italy in a penalty shootout.
Switzerland also brings an experienced squad, with much of its strength coming from the midfield. If the Swiss can control the tempo early in matches, they will be difficult to beat.
This marks Qatar’s first time qualifying for a World Cup as they were the hosts of the last edition and therefore automatically qualified.
Given Canada’s string of injuries, I think Switzerland will win the group with Canada vs Bosnia being the decider as to who makes it out in second. This could be one of the tighter groups, with the third-place finisher having a real chance to advance.
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Brazil is the most experienced team in the group, having won the World Cup five times and qualified for every edition of the tournament. I think having Neymar back on A Seleção will give them the guidance they need as they will have a true Captain again.
Morocco also enters with momentum after strong performances in both the previous World Cup and the most recent Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Brazilian midfielder Neymar Jr.
Photo: Neymar – Shutterstock – User: Alizada Studios – ID: 1282004545
Scotland and Haiti are the newest to the tournament in this group, Scotland having last qualified in 1998 and Haiti last qualifying in 1974.
I think Brazil will make it out of the group on top with Morocco following in second. Scotland have a chance at advancing in third place.
Please comment below and let me know whether you agree, or if you disagree, which teams you think will advance from these groups!
As always, stay tuned for in-depth coverage of the biggest World Cup yet here at Futbolhijo.com, and check back for my next article, where I will break down Groups D, E and F. Also check out my previous article where give a background of the World Cup.
Cover Photo: Estadio Azteac. Stadium of the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Taken by ProtoplasmaKid. Wikipedia. Creative Commons. No changes were made to this photo.
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