Group A is one of the most competitive in the 2026 World Cup. There are three teams that could quite easily win the group, and they have the added bonus of having all eyes on them come the opening game between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday, 11 June. I’ll admit, it’s not the easiest group to call, but I’ve got three picks that each offer value and will suit a range of punters based on the odds you like to target.
World Cup Group A Betting Odds
TL; DR – My Three Group A Betting Tips Are Live
| Bet | Bookies | Odds | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea to win Group A | Betfred | 7/2 | 1.5 |
| South Africa not to qualify | William Hill | 4/7 | 1 |
| South Korea-Mexico Forecast | Betfred | 13/2 | 2 |
*Odds correct at 20:40 BST on 10/06/2026. Odds subject to change.
No Expiry Date
Bet 1: South Korea to Win Group A
I’m doubling down on my initial World Cup Group stage betting tips and sticking with South Korea to win Group A. I’ll be honest, I’ve had a few raised eyebrows from the team with this pick, and I can see why.
But betting is all about value. It’s about finding discrepancies in the odds that, if you take, will make you money long term. And 7/2 for South Korea to win Group A is huge. Here’s why.
This is now their 11th consecutive World Cup. It’s one of the longest active streaks, and while there’s something to be said about the broader standard of AFC nations, these guys are 25th in the world, so they’re no mugs.
There will be so much pressure on Mexico as one of the host nations. We’ll know more about whether they cope from the opening fixture against South Africa, but before a ball is kicked, I think they’ll struggle.
Mexico and South Korea actually drew in September, and since then, the Koreans have beaten Paraguay, Bolivia, and Ghana, among others. They will be tough to beat in a group that’s wide open, and as a result, are my pick for this one.
Bet 2: South Africa Not to Qualify
Group A, on paper, is one of the most competitive groups. It could well be a case where only two teams go through, as I can see a number of draws here, which will not help their cause.
If that’s the case, then South Africa are in trouble. They will low-key be happy with their group, as there’s no superstar nation here, just four, well-drilled, mid-quality nations. On their day, they can get a result.
That said, they can’t all go through, and of the four, South Africa are the logical pick to miss out. They are short, with World Cup betting odds of 4/7 not to make the cut, but there’s enough meat on the bone here to get involved.
Bet 3: South Korea/Mexico Straight Forecast
The straight forecast markets are among the best for these group-stage bets. They allow you to pick first and second, which, for a lot of groups, looks relatively straightforward, in theory.
Usually, with competitive groups like Group A, I would avoid them. I'm already backing South Korea at 7/2 to win, so there’s no need to get too greedy.
However, I do like Mexico to finish second. The reason is that I think they beat South Africa in the opening game on Thursday, lose to South Korea, and draw with the Czech Republic.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish tied on points with one or more teams, but the reason I think they get second is that they have goals in them. I’m a big fan of Julian Quinones and Santiago Gimenez up top, then you’ve Hirving Lozano and even Raul Jimenez in support. That’s a tasty looking forward line.
If it comes down to goal difference, which it might, Mexico should be ok. Some of the best World Cup betting sites, such as Betfred, have this forecast at 13/2, and if you’re only picking one of my three Group A World Cup betting tips, make it this one.
