12 groups, 48 teams and 72 matches. This summer’s expanded World Cup group stage delivers more drama than ever before. The United States, Canada and Mexico will host a festival of soccer this summer, as nations from all six continental federations lock horns during a tantalizing group stage. Minnows face behemoths, giants collide and debutants enjoy their maiden voyage. While only one third of teams will be eliminated come the end of the opening round, topping the four-team group offers a favorable draw in the last 32. On paper, group winners will come up against easier opponents in the first knockout round. The fight for first matters, and here’s how Sports Illustrate d believes it will pan out across each group. Group A: Mexico Mexico boasts the luxury of home advantage. | KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP/Getty Images. Group A Teams: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Czechia Mexico , as one of the three host nations, was automatically placed in Pot 1 for December’s group stage draw.…