Czech Republic and South Africa look to bounce back from opening defeats in Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Victory by two goals or more would lift Czech Republic up to second for at least seven hours, whilst South Africa likewise can move up to second if win by three goals or more.
Team News
Czech Republic have no fresh injury concerns after their 2-1 loss to South Korea, with the entire squad available for selection.
South Africa will be without Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane after the pair were red carded in their opening 2-0 loss to Mexico.
Head Coach, Hugo Broos otherwise has no fresh injury concerns to report.
When is Kick-Off?
Czech Republic face South Africa at Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA, on Thursday 18 June at 12pm EDT (5pm BST), live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Czech Republic’s first World Cup meeting against South Africa.
- South Africa drew 2-2 in their only previous meeting against Czech Republic which came in the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup.
- Czech Republic lost 2-0 to Ghana in their only previous second-round group-stage fixture in the 2006 edition as an independent nation.
- South Africa have claimed four points from their three previous second-round group-stage fixtures at World Cups (W1, D1, L1).
Prediction
Having not clinically taken their chances when on top against South Korea – especially in the first half, Czech Republic know that this is now ideally must-win if want any chance of finishing in the top two so I expect more urgency and hopefully tidier end product now.
South Africa meanwhile just seemed too absorbed within the occasion of the tournament opener and struggled to regain much footing once Mexico swiftly took control, yet they did defensively well even despite the red cards to limit their defeat to just two goals.
Urgency though is going to be the imperative word for both teams but I do think that the Czechs have the better quality to get them over the line.
Prediction: Czech Republic 2-1 South Africa
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