London, April 13: In what promises to be a sprawling festival of football across three nations, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has already begun to sketch its early narratives, with Groups A, B and C offering a fascinating blend of tradition, ambition and long-awaited returns.
Group A will set the ball rolling, quite literally, as co-host Mexico open the tournament against South Africa on June 11 in Mexico City.
The group is completed by Czech Republic and South Korea, with the bulk of matches scheduled across Mexican venues, underlining the country’s central role as host.
Mexico, under veteran coach Javier Aguirre, will look to draw inspiration from their past home campaigns, banking on teenage prospect Gilberto Mora to spark a turnaround after a disappointing outing in Qatar.
South Africa, guided by Hugo Broos, return to the World Cup after 2010, aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time.
South Korea, playing their 12th World Cup, will rely on captain Son Heung-min alongside Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae, while coach Hong Myung-bo seeks to revive past success.
The Czech Republic, returning after 2006, will depend on experience, with Vladimir Darida adding stability under coach Miroslav Koubek.
In Group B, co-host Canada face mounting expectations as they chase a first-ever knockout berth. Backed by home support, they will lean on Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Cyle Larin under coach Jesse Marsch.
Consistent performers Switzerland, led by Granit Xhaka and coached by Murat Yakin, will provide stern competition. Qatar, under Julen Lopetegui, continue their gradual rise, while Bosnia and Herzegovina, inspired by veteran Edin Dzeko, arrive high on confidence after their playoff success.Group C blends pedigree with unpredictability. Brazil headline the group alongside Morocco, with Scotland and Haiti marking their returns.
Brazil, chasing a sixth title under Carlo Ancelotti, will rely on Vinicius Junior and Raphinha, while Morocco, now led by Mohamed Ouahbi, aim to build on their historic semifinal run.
Haiti’s return after five decades, led by Duckens Nazon, adds an underdog element, while Scotland, guided by Steve Clarke and powered by Scott McTominay, will look to break their long-standing group-stage barrier.
As the countdown gathers pace, these groups promise compelling storylines of redemption, resurgence and ambition — with the World Cup drama only just beginning. (AP)
