The PuntHub view — Hosts at altitude
Mexico open the whole tournament at the Azteca, which sits 2,240 metres up. Visiting teams hate it. The ball moves differently, pressing costs double, and from the hour mark you can watch opponents' legs go. Mexico didn't have to qualify, so they've spent two years doing nothing but preparing for this exact group.
Behind them it's a proper scrap. Son Heung-min drags South Korea into what's probably his last World Cup, the Czechs are back for the first time in 20 years and will be horrible to play against, and South Africa haven't been at one since they hosted in 2010. Korea have the best player in the group. The Czechs have the best chance of nicking third and surviving anyway.
Verdict: Mexico win it, Korea second, Czechs sneak through as a best third.
Standings
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 | WW |
| 2 | South Korea | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | LW |
| 3 | Czechia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 | DL |
| 4 | South Africa | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 1 | DL |