World Cup

World Cup preview: South Africa and Czech Republic seek first points in Atlanta

Joel Masibo 18th June, 2026 10:48 AM

Part of the action between Mexico and South Africa. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/bafanabafanaOfficial

South Africa and the Czech Republic will both be desperate to bounce back from opening-game defeats when they meet in their second Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Both nations began their campaigns on a disappointing note. South Africa suffered a 2-0 loss to tournament co-hosts Mexico on Thursday, June 11, 2026, while the Czech Republic narrowly fell 2-1 to South Korea later on Friday, June 12, 2026.

Czech Republic aiming to respond

The Czech Republic returned to the World Cup after a two-decade absence, securing qualification through the UEFA playoffs after edging Denmark in a penalty shootout. This marks only the country’s second appearance at the finals since becoming an independent nation, with their previous participation ending in a group-stage exit in 2006.

Miroslav Koubek’s side appeared poised to start their tournament positively against South Korea. Defender Ladislav Krejci broke the deadlock shortly before the hour mark, heading home from a long throw delivered by Vladimir Coufal.

Czech Republic vs South Korea clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/narodak

However, their lead quickly disappeared when Hwang In-beom equalized for the Asians. The Czech side thought they had regained control through Tomas Soucek, but his effort was disallowed before Oh Hyeon-gyu struck the decisive goal with 10 minutes remaining.

That defeat ended a six-match unbeaten sequence for the Europeans, a run that included four victories in regulation time and two successful penalty shootouts during qualification. Defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in five consecutive matches.

A victory over South Africa would significantly strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stages, either automatically or as one of the best third-placed teams. Interestingly, the two nations have met only once before, drawing 2-2 at the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup.

South Africa looking to avoid early exit

South Africa are making their fourth World Cup appearance and their first since hosting the tournament in 2010. Coincidentally, they also opened that competition against Mexico, although the circumstances were vastly different.

Bafana Bafana endured a frustrating outing against the Mexicans. Midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was heavily involved for the wrong reasons, losing possession in the build-up to Julian Quinones’ opening goal before being sent off early in the second half after committing a last-man foul.

Mexico capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Raul Jimenez adding a second goal in the 67th minute. South Africa’s troubles worsened when veteran midfielder Themba Zwane received a straight red card late in the contest for violent conduct. Although Mexico also finished with 10 men after Cesar Montes was dismissed deep into stoppage time, the damage had already been done.

Head coach Hugo Broos now faces selection headaches due to the suspensions of Sithole and Zwane. The Belgian tactician will also be concerned by his team’s current form, having gone six matches without a victory. During that period, all three defeats saw South Africa concede at least two goals.

Nevertheless, there is some encouragement from history. Their most recent World Cup win against European opposition came in 2010 when they famously defeated France 2-1. Another defeat, however, would leave them on the brink of a fourth consecutive group-stage elimination at the global showpiece.

Team news

The Czech Republic emerged from their encounter with South Korea without any new injury concerns. Koubek is therefore expected to continue with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.

Captain Tomas Soucek should again partner Alexandr Sojka in central midfield, while wing-backs Vladimir Coufal and Jaroslav Zeleny are likely to retain their places. Krejci, who scored in the opening match, is expected to continue in the defensive trio.

Krejci has become a major threat from set pieces, contributing four goals in his last five international appearances. Up front, experienced striker Patrik Schick is set to lead the attack.

South Africa, meanwhile, must cope without suspended duo Sithole and Zwane. Jayden Adams is expected to keep his midfield role, while Thalente Mbatha could be introduced alongside him if Broos opts to switch from a back five to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 setup.

Part of the action between Mexico and South Africa at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday, June 11, 2026. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/bafanabafanaOfficial

Such a tactical adjustment may see defender Nkosinathi Sibisi drop out of the starting eleven. Burnley forward Lyle Foster is expected to spearhead the attack, while Iqraam Rayners could make way after partnering with Foster against Mexico.