What we know so far
South Africa drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic in their second Group A match at the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, with Teboho Mokoena’s penalty cancelling out an early Czech goal in Atlanta.
The match was played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, listed by FIFA as Atlanta Stadium, and was handled by American referee Tori Penso.
The Czech Republic struck first inside six minutes. Michal Sadilek finished past South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after a move set up by Alexandr Sojka, in what stood as the fastest goal of the tournament at the time it was scored.
Mokoena drew Bafana Bafana level from the penalty spot, securing a point that keeps South Africa in contention going into the final round of group fixtures.
The result leaves both South Africa and the Czech Republic on one point each in Group A after two matches.
Why it matters
The draw is South Africa’s first point of the tournament after a difficult start. Hugo Broos’ side lost their opener 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico and finished that match with nine men.
For a team that created little going forward against Mexico, recovering from an early deficit against a physical European side marks a measure of progress.
The point carries added weight because of the expanded format of the 2026 World Cup. The tournament features 48 teams, and the top two from each of the 12 groups advance to a new round of 32, alongside the eight best third-placed teams.
That structure means South Africa can still reach the knockout stage even if they finish third in Group A, provided their record holds up against other third-placed sides.
The draw also shapes the rest of the group. Because South Africa and the Czech Republic shared the points, the winner of Thursday’s later fixture between Mexico and South Korea will top Group A.
Key details and figures
South Africa entered the match bottom of Group A in fourth place, with the Czech Republic third. Both teams had lost their opening fixtures.
The Czech Republic were beaten 2-1 by South Korea in their first match, having led through Ladislav Krejci before fading in the closing stages.
South Africa’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico was compounded by red cards to midfielders Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane. Both were suspended for the Czech Republic match.
Sadilek’s strike in the sixth minute was the quickest goal recorded at the 2026 World Cup at that point. The assist came from Alexandr Sojka.
Mokoena, who plays his club football for Mamelodi Sundowns, converted from the spot to restore parity for Bafana Bafana.
Possession swung between the sides through the contest. The Czech Republic were the sharper team in the opening exchanges before South Africa grew into the match and pushed for the leveller.
Before the evening’s second Group A fixture, Mexico led the group on three points with a goal difference of plus two, ahead of South Korea on three points with a goal difference of plus one.
What happens next
South Africa’s place in the round of 32 will be decided in the final round of Group A matches on Thursday, 25 June.
Bafana Bafana face South Korea, while the Czech Republic meet Mexico on the same day.
South Africa will likely need a positive result against South Korea, and may also have to monitor goal difference and results in other groups to claim one of the third-placed qualifying spots.
The group order will become clearer once Mexico and South Korea complete their second-round fixture later on Thursday, which determines who leads Group A going into the closing matches.
For now, South Africa remain in the tournament with their qualification still mathematically possible, having taken a point that their opening performance against Mexico had not promised.
