Host nations regularly fare well in international tournaments and a kind draw means Mexico are well placed to continue that trend in 2026.
El Tri will be roared on by passionate support throughout the finals and the familiar conditions are another obvious advantage.
Mexico narrowly missed out on the knockout stages of Qatar 2022 as they ended the group level on points with Poland but one goal worse off.
Expect lessons to have been learned and El Tri to keep their foot on the gas to ensure qualification from Group A.
There are still doubts over whether Mexico have the required cutting edge to challenge the elite nations later in the competition, but a soft section should see them progress comfortably as group winners.
They are expected to begin with victory over South Africa before meetings with South Korea and the Czech Republic, and seven points is likely to be enough to take top spot.
A settled squad, recent World Cup experience - something group rivals South Africa and the Czech Republic do not have - and a strong home backing all point towards Mexico making a fast start.
The main intrigue comes in the battle for second place, where backing the Czech Republic appeals.
Tournament football often suits disciplined, organised teams and that has long been a strength of the Czechs.
They may lack star names but they are physically strong, difficult to break down and usually dependable in tight matches. Having come through the European play-offs, the Czechs are experienced in performing under pressure.
Their opening contest with South Korea could prove pivotal and victory in that match would leave them in an excellent position to qualify.
South Korea arrive with far less momentum than in previous years after friendly defeats this year - they lost to fellow finalists Ivory Coast (4-0) and Austria (1-0) in March - and pressure is growing on manager Hong Myung-Bo as a result.
There is still talent in the squad, including former Tottenham star Son Heung-Min and PSG forward Lee Kang-In, and they will be well backed in the stands - but recent evidence suggests they remain vulnerable defensively.
Too often they have looked open when pressed aggressively, and that could be a concern against determined opposition.
Fail to take points from the opening match and the pressure will quickly build before a difficult assignment against Mexico.
South Africa should be competitive and committed, particularly from set-pieces, but Bafana Bafana may simply lack the quality and experience to push for qualification.
They are capable of making games awkward but could struggle for goals outside of deadball situations against stronger opponents.
Their group finale against South Korea will likely be key to their prospects, with third place perhaps the best either side can reasonably expect. Even so, they may need more than three points to have any realistic chance of sneaking through in third.
The expanded format means a third-placed finish can still bring about qualification, but Group A does not look like a section where four points will be easy to collect.
Mexico and the Czech Republic are therefore fancied to take the two automatic places.
