Mexico was drawn into a group with South Africa, South Korea and the UEFA Playoff D winner – Denmark, Ireland, Czech Republic or North Macedonia. El Tri will face South Africa in the tournament's opening match on June 11, 16 years after the two sides played the first game in the 2010 World Cup.

As a host country, Mexico automatically qualified for the tournament and will play multiple games in front of a raucous home crowd.

Mexico is optimistic about advancing in the 2026 World Cup after being drawn against South Africa, South Korea, and a yet-to-be-determined European team

Curaçao, as well as Haiti and Panama, secured spots in the 2026 World Cup through Concacaf qualifying. Curaçao will be making its World Cup debut in 2026. With Canada, Mexico and the United States co-hosting the tournament,