Mexico has learned who will be their opponents in the World Cup next summer. They will play all group state matches in Mexico and will be able to play knockout rounds in their home soil as long as they win their group. They do not have a difficult group, but it would not be a surprise if they fail to leave the group stage just like the last World Cup.
Before the draw started everyone was treated to some musical performances to get the energy flowing. First up was Andrea Bocelli followed by English
artist Robbie Williams who came out with Nicole Scherzinger to sing the FIFA anthem.
Next came the most controversial part of the event, the FIFA Peace Prize. This award had been rumoured weeks leading up to the event. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated the inaugural award, which would be given out yearly, would be awarded to “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and by doing so have united people across the world.” Critics have argued that maybe the award should not have been given to an individual who has spread hate and violence not only across his own country but also the world as the U.S. might be close to entering a conflict with Venezuela over oil. Another controversy arose weeks ago when representatives from Iran’s delegation were not allowed entry into the United States for the draw but at the last moment the President allowed a few of their representatives entry. The most recent controversy was when Haiti qualified for the World Cup but its fans were disappointed when they learned that the United States will not grant entry to any fans from Haiti. Only the players, their coaching staff and close relatives will be allowed to enter the U.S. for the tournament. On top of Haiti, there are multiple countries from the Middle East that will not be able to attend a tournament that is supposed to unite the world all because of hate. President Trump was given a peace award even though all the above mentioned DO NOT promote peace.
Up next was the beginning of the draw as United States President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney all took center stage together. They each went to their own pots where they drew their respective countries into their groups.
Next came up a performance by Lauryn Hill to electrify the crowd before the draw took place. Afterwards, Rio Ferdinand and Samantha Johnson came on stage to help conduct the draw alongside Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Aaron Judge and Wayne Gretzky. After a long drawing, Mexico has finally learned its fate in Group A.
Mexico will face South Africa, Korea Republic and the winner of the UEFA Playoff D. That competition will be played in March where either Denmark, North Macedonia, Czech Republic or the Republic of Ireland will join Group A. While most believe that Mexico will face South Korea that will not be the case. Mexico will instead face South Africa in the inaugural match of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City at the Estadio Azteca.
History will repeat itself after the same match was played in the 2010 World Cup. Mexico has had essentially a curse with opening matches as they have yet to win any of their World Cup opening matches. In the past they have faced off against strong opponents in their first match and this upcoming edition won’t be any different against South Africa. Next they will, most likely, face South Korea. These two teams recently faced each other three months ago in September. Mexico narrowly escaped a loss thanks to a last minute goal in stoppage time. Their third and final opponent has yet to be confirmed and will not be until March when the playoffs are played. Any one of those three, Denmark/North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Ireland, can pose a threat for a Mexican team that has disappointed over the years. In reality, Mexico can be grouped again as they themselves are their worst enemies. With recent results, it looks like Mexico is a favorite but when the details are looked at with a fine comb the truth comes out. Mexico isn’t as strong as they look. They will be their biggest enemy come June 2026.
