Did the Mexican national team come out on top in the 2026 World Cup draw? The facts seem to indicate that if they win their matches against South Africa, South Korea, and a European opponent yet to be confirmed (which will come from Denmark, the Czech Republic, Macedonia, or Ireland), they will advance. However, the current level of the Mexican national team doesn't bode well, but with six months to go before the competition, they will have to get to work to face two old acquaintances—South Africa in 2010 and South Korea in France 1998 and Russia 2018—with confidence and a chance of victory. Doubts arise regarding the European opponent, which will emerge from the qualifying matchup to be decided next March between the powerful Denmark and the equally challenging Ireland, as well as the unknowns that Macedonia and the Czech Republic could represent. One could say that Mexico has an accessible group, especially given their status as hosts, where they will have the full support of their fans in the opening match against South Africa at the Azteca Stadium on June 11th, but without letting that optimism run rampant as it did 16 years ago. I was thinking about the match against South Africa in 2010 in Johannesburg, where the Mexican team's level was better than it is now, and they only managed a 1-1 draw, coming from behind with a goal from Rafael Marquez, then captain and now assistant coach for the Mexican national team. The goal for the Bafana Bafana team was scored by Siphiwe Tshabalala on a lethal counter-attack, showing the great speed the Africans displayed, and who now reached the World Cup by eliminating the powerful Nigeria. The matches: After Mexico's debut against South Africa on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium, they will travel to Guadalajara to face South Korea at the Guadalajara Stadium. South Korea is a familiar opponent for the Mexican team in World Cup tournaments, having played in France 1998 and Russia 2018, where Mexico has defeated them 3-1 and 2-1, respectively.

In France 1998,Mexico came from behind when the Asians scored first through Seok Ju Ha and then with two goals from Ricardo Pelaez and one from Luis Hernandez, securing a 3-1 victory in Mexico's first-ever World Cup win.

Meanwhile, in Russia 2018, Mexico took the lead with goals from Carlos Vela (penalty) and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, while South Korea pulled one back through Heung-Min Son, marking Mexico's second victory against this Asian rival, a match they will face again.

This will be South Korea's second time playing in Mexico at a World Cup. In 1986, they shared a group with eventual champions Argentina, Italy, and Bulgaria, where the Koreans showed great enthusiasm but only managed to secure one point.

Now, the Koreans will field a team featuring players like Son Heung-Min, who plays for LAFC in MLS, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Kang-in, and who will undoubtedly be a difficult opponent.

Mexico will finally face a European rival from Group 4 of the European playoffs, which includes tough opponents like Denmark, Ireland, Macedonia, and the Czech Republic. They will undoubtedly face many challenges, which could complicate their chances of advancing to the second round.