Czech Republic vs South Africa
A late penalty rescued a point for South Africa, but a 1-1 draw leaves both teams in deep trouble in Group A.
How the match went
Both teams came into this game needing a win, after each lost their opening match.
The Czech Republic had lost their opener 2-1 to South Korea, and South Africa had lost theirs 2-0 to Mexico.
The Czech Republic started fast and took the lead through Sadilek in the 6th minute.
From there they sat on their lead and defended it well, taking a 1-0 advantage into half-time.
South Africa pushed harder and harder in the second half, looking for a way back.
Their reward came late, when Mokoena scored a penalty in the 83rd minute (a free shot from the spot after a foul) to make it 1-1.
The Czech Republic could not find a winner after that, and the game finished 1-1.
A point each leaves both teams on just 1 point and near the bottom of Group A, with a lot of work still to do.
Key moments
- ⚽ 6' Sadílek (Czech Republic)
- ⚽ 83' Mokoena (South Africa) (pen)
Goals in the order they were scored.
pen = penalty.
- Date
- Thursday, June 18
- Kickoff Time
- 12:00 (New York time)
- Stage
- Group stage, Group A
- Attendance
- 67,442
- Referee
- Tori Penso (United States)
What's next for Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic play Mexico on June 24 in their final group game.
Mexico are already top of the group on 6 points after winning both their games, so this is a huge test.
The Czech Republic very likely need to win and hope other results go their way to stay in the competition.
What's next for South Africa?
South Africa play South Korea on June 24 in their final group game.
South Korea have 3 points, so South Africa are chasing them in the table.
South Africa very likely need to win and hope other results help them to reach the next round.
Common questions
When and where was Czech Republic vs South Africa played?
The game was played on June 18, 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It was a Group A match at the 2026 World Cup.
What was the final score of Czech Republic vs South Africa?
The game finished 1-1. The Czech Republic led 1-0 at half-time before South Africa equalized late from a penalty.
Who scored in the match?
Sadilek scored for the Czech Republic in the 6th minute. Mokoena scored a penalty for South Africa in the 83rd minute to make it 1-1.
What does the draw mean for both teams in Group A?
Both teams are now on just 1 point and near the bottom of the group. Mexico are top on 6 points and through to the next round, and South Korea have 3 points. Both the Czech Republic and South Africa will likely need to win their last game and hope other results help them.
Who do the Czech Republic play next?
The Czech Republic play Mexico on June 24 in their final Group A game. They very likely need to win to keep their hopes of reaching the next round alive.
Who do South Africa play next?
South Africa play South Korea on June 24 in their final Group A game. They very likely need to win and hope other results help them through.