Two teams still searching for their first points at the 2026 FIFA World Cup meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday as Czech Republic face South Africa in a crucial Group A encounter.
The Czech Republic returned to the World Cup after a 20-year absence by overcoming Denmark on penalties in the UEFA qualification playoffs, securing only their second appearance at the tournament as an independent nation. However, their long-awaited return ended in disappointment as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to South Korea in their opening fixture.
Miroslav Koubek’s side looked on course for a positive start when Ladislav Krejci headed home from a Vladimir Coufal long throw early in the second half. South Korea responded through Hwang In-beom before Tomas Soucek had a goal ruled out, and Oh Hyeon-gyu’s late strike ultimately condemned Repre to defeat.
The loss ended a six-match unbeaten run and continued concerns at the back, with the Czechs now failing to keep a clean sheet in five consecutive matches. With another difficult fixture against Mexico still to come, three points against South Africa could be vital for their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
South Africa also began their campaign with defeat, falling 2-0 to tournament hosts Mexico in the opening match of the competition.
Bafana Bafana endured a frustrating evening as Julian Quinones opened the scoring after a costly error from Sphephelo Sithole, who was later sent off for a last-man challenge. Raul Jimenez added a second goal for Mexico before Themba Zwane was dismissed late on, leaving Hugo Broos’s side with nine men.
The defeat extended South Africa’s winless run to six matches and highlighted defensive issues that have seen them concede multiple goals in each of their last three losses.
Despite their poor start, there remains some optimism in the South African camp. The team’s official channels recently shared footage of their arrival in Atlanta, with supporters flooding social media with messages of encouragement and calls for a stronger display against the Czech Republic.
Historically, there is little to separate these nations, with their only previous meeting ending in a 2-2 draw at the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup. However, both sides know that another defeat could leave them facing an early exit from the tournament.
Team News
The Czech Republic emerged from their defeat to South Korea without any new injury concerns.
Head coach Miroslav Koubek is expected to retain his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, with captain Tomas Soucek partnering Alexandr Sojka in midfield. Vladimir Coufal and Jaroslav Zeleny should continue as wing-backs, while goalscorer Ladislav Krejci keeps his place in defence.
Patrik Schick is expected to lead the attack as the Czechs search for their first victory of the tournament.
For South Africa, Hugo Broos must cope without suspended duo Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane following their red cards against Mexico.
Jayden Adams is expected to retain his midfield role, while Thalente Mbatha could be drafted into the starting lineup. Broos may switch from a back five to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 system in response to the opening defeat.
Burnley striker Lyle Foster is likely to spearhead the attack, with Iqraam Rayners potentially dropping to the bench after starting against Mexico.
Possible Lineups
Czech Republic possible starting lineup:
Kovar; Hranac, Chaloupek, Krejci; Coufal, Soucek, Sojka, Zeleny; Sulc, Provod; Schick
South Africa possible starting lineup:
Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba; Adams, Mbatha; Appollis, Mokoena, Moremi; Foster
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV stream |
| Kick-off Time | 17:00 (WAT) |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts Czech Republic 2-1 South Africa.
Both teams have shown vulnerabilities defensively, but the Czech Republic appear to possess greater experience and attacking quality through players such as Patrik Schick, Tomas Soucek and Ladislav Krejci. South Africa’s suspensions further complicate their task, and Bafana Bafana may struggle to contain the Czech threat over 90 minutes.
