"The table is set!" Czech Republic and South Africa battle to a 1-1 draw... Beat Mexico and first place is sealed [2026 FIFA World Cup]

Yonhap News Agency [Financial News] There is no need to juggle complicated scenarios anymore. All South Korea has to do is beat Mexico in front of them, and everything will be settled perfectly. As rival teams were held to a draw after a fierce battle, South Korea's path to an early place in the Round of 32 as group winner has been set up in the best possible way.
In the Group A second-round match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, early on the 19th, Czech Republic national football team and South Africa national football team played to a 1-1 draw. With both teams taking one point each, the fate of Group A now hinges entirely on the match between South Korea and Mexico, which kicks off at 10 a. m.
on the 19th Korea time. The ripple effect of this draw for South Korea is enormous. If South Korea beats Mexico and secures a second straight win for six points, it will clinch first place in the group early, regardless of the result of the final group match.
That is because of the newly introduced head-to-head record rule at this tournament. Even if South Korea beats Mexico, then loses to South Africa in the final match, while Mexico defeats the Czech Republic and the two teams finish level on six points, South Korea would still remain at the top of the group thanks to its head-to-head win over Mexico.
Of course, if Mexico beats South Korea, it would also secure first place in the group. South Africa's Teboho Mokoena looks disappointed after being booked.
Yonhap News Agency [Financial News] There is no need to juggle complicated scenarios anymore. All South Korea has to do is beat Mexico in front of them, and everything will be settled perfectly. As rival teams were held to a draw after a fierce battle, South Korea's path to an early place in the Round of 32 as group winner has been set up in the best possible way.Yonhap News Agency [Financial News] There is no need to juggle complicated scenarios anymore. All South Korea has to do is beat Mexico in front of them, and everything will be settled perfectly. As rival teams were held to a draw after a fierce battle, South Korea's path to an early place in the Round of 32 as group winner has been set up in the best possible way.
But South Africa showed plenty of resilience. Struggling to score goals, South Africa made its move in the second half and, after relentless pressure, Teboho Mokoena calmly converted a penalty in the 37th minute after a handball by the opponent to complete a dramatic equalizer.
In the end, the uncompromising battle between the veteran coaches ended without a winner, and the biggest beneficiary was South Korea, which seized a hugely favorable position to clinch first place in the group by default. Even the heavens seem to be helping Hong Myung-bo's side.
All that remains now is to celebrate with a clear victory at Guadalajara Stadium.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter