Group A and Group B will play their second group stage clashes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hosts Mexico are among the nations who could secure qualification to the knockout phase with a victory. As always we preview and predict every matchup.
Czechia vs South Africa (Thursday June 18th in Atlanta at Mercedes Benz Stadium)
South Africa’s return to the World Cup group stage after 16 years was an abject disaster. They lost 2-0 to Mexico, offered little in attack, and were red carded twice. Perhaps those decisions were harsh, but Hugo Broos went with a shockingly defensive 5-3-2, left some of the best attacking players on the bench, and frankly failed to set South Africa up for success compared to their qualifying campaign.
In Atlanta, indoors, South Africa can’t afford a defeat. With Themba Zwane and Sphephelo Sithole suspended, Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates) is expected to play a new key role in the middle, while it’s an open question whether South Africa will continue with 5 at the back. Lyle Foster (Burnley) was unable to get service from their approach in the first game. While Jayden Adams could move into the midfield if South Africa go back to a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Czechia have a plan, and we saw it action on matchday 1 against South Korea. Korea was more technically skilled, they created more chances from open play, but Czechia was physical and looked for the set piece opportunities. They scored a goal from a set piece, but conceded twice and ended up without a point. Czechia are not expected to make lineup changes, but will need to be a bit more positive against South Africa as a draw would leave them frustrated. This may not be the most exciting game, but Czechia showed more confidence in the first game.
Prediction: Czechia 1-0
Mexico vs South Korea (Thursday June 18th in Guadalajara at Estadio Akron)
A dream start for Mexico was their 2-0 win over South Africa, with Julian Quinones from the Saudi Pro League starring, alongside the other goalscorer, veteran Raul Jimenez. Still, Mexico didn’t take advantage of all of their chances in the first game, and their cautious playstyle may leave them at risk against more aggressive opponents, like South Korea.
Playing at home with the nation behind them, and showing they are defensively sound. Vasco Aguirre will need to replace a suspended Cesar Montes at CB for this game, meaning Edson Alvarez could drop back to pair with the steady leader Johan Vasquez. Quinones is also battling a lower body injury that could see him start from the bench. That means Jorge Sanchez could come into the backline, and teenager Gilberto Mora is apparently in discussions to be a starting midfielder after he came off the bench in the first game. Brian Gutierrez and Israel Reyes could be on the bench.
South Korea will potentially be without Bae Jun-Ho, and Kim Tae-Hyeon. Despite his somewhat pedestrian performance, Son Heung-Min would still be the starting striker, though Kang-in Lee from PSG and Hwang In-Beom from Feyenoord drive this South Korea attack, a technically sound team that have flair.
It’s hard to go against Mexico in front of a partisan crowd, but South Korea are able to attack well enough to nick a goal and possibly deliver a draw that would put both teams in an excellent position to advance to the knockout stage.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
Switzerland vs Bosnia (Thursday June 18th in Los Angeles at Sofi Stadium)
Switzerland were left angry and frustrated, despite attacking pressure and dictating play for most of the match, they drew 1-1 against Qatar in their opener after conceding late. With Bosnia drawing Canada in the other game, this is still a group Switzerland can win, but a smooth path to qualification is no longer assured. It’s a question whether their manager Murat Yakin will make any changes to the attack or simply hope for more luck in game 2, with similar tactics.
Bosnia got a goal from Jovo Lukic, and their physical, steady play against Canada was enough to earn a draw against the hosts on matchday 1. The main question fitness wise is whether Sead Kolasinac is fit, while the legendary Edin Dzeko will likely be on the bench again given Lukic and Ermedin Demirovic were respectable as a strike pairing in the first matchday.
Bosnia defends well, and will certainly be watching the game tape of the Qatar-Switzerland game for tips on how to contain their next rival. Switzerland have more firepower though and will undoubtedly be pushing to get to 4 points and avoid serious drama on matchday 3.
Prediction: Switzerland 2-1
Canada vs Qatar (Thursday June 18th at BC Place in Vancouver)
From Toronto to Vancouver, Canada will continue their World Cup journey against Qatar after picking up a maiden point on match day 1 against Bosnia. Substitute Cyle Larin was the late goalscorer for Canada, as they eventually broke down Bosnia but couldn’t break through and were rather wasteful with their finishing. At times Canada seemed anxious, they can’t afford those nerves against a Qatar side brimming with confidence after a late goal drew them level with Switzerland. There’s also a slim chance that Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich could get into the game and feature for Canada after he was too injured to play in the first clash.
The underdogs of the group, Qatar now have a path to the knockout phase if they can avoid defeat. With Qatar proven as a team that never gives up, Canada can’t afford to be nervous, especially against talented goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada. Canada are unlikely to blow the doors off this game, but they have a better side and are playing at home, all things being equal, they should find a goal, while Qatar may not have one in them.
Prediction: Canada 2-0
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
