Group A permutations: How Bafana Bafana can still claim automatic World Cup qualification

South Africa players applaud fans after their 1-1 draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match against Czechia.

Following Mexico’s 1-0 victory over South Korea and Bafana Bafana's fighting 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic, Group A sits on a knife-edge heading into the final round of fixtures.

While tournament co-hosts Mexico have already secured top spot and safe passage to the round of 32 of the 2026 Fifa World Cup with six points, the race for the remaining automatic qualification place — second spot — is wide open.

South Korea currently occupy second spot on three points, while the Czech Republic and Bafana Bafana trail closely behind with one point apiece.

For Hugo Broos’ men, the mandate for next Thursday’s clash against South Korea in Monterrey is clear: Bafana Bafana must win to qualify in the top three. The top two teams qualify automatically from the group, with the eight best third-placed teams also qualifying.