Czechia and South Africa will lock horns in their second Group A match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with both sides looking to bounce back from opening-game defeats.
South Africa began their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Mexico, while Czechia suffered a 2-1 defeat against South Korea after conceding late despite taking the lead.
With the tournament format allowing eight of the 12 third-placed teams to progress to the knockout stage, both teams still have plenty to play for. Interestingly, Czechia and South Africa have met only once before, playing out a 2-2 draw in the 1997 Confederations Cup.
Let’s dive into this story and find out about the team’s recent performance, head-to-head, probable starting XI, and prediction.
Czechia vs South Africa head-to-head
Czechia and South Africa will face each other for the first time since 1997. They met during the FIFA Confederations Cup group stage match, which ended in a 2-2 draw in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Both sides will take on each other for the second time.
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Team news
The Czechs will head into the clash with no injury concerns, while midfielders Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane won’t be available for South Africa, as both received a red card in the opening game against Mexico
Czechia vs South Africa: Recent team performance
While both teams began their World Cup campaigns with defeats, Czechia heads into this clash in far better form than South Africa.
Czechia were on a good run of results before losing 2-1 to South Korea. They beat Kosovo and Guatemala in pre-World Cup friendlies, and they made it through the UEFA qualifying playoffs with penalty wins against Denmark and Ireland in March. They also recorded a comfortable win over Gibraltar in November.
South Africa, meanwhile, has struggled for results and is without a win in their last five matches. Alongside their 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the World Cup opener, they endured a disappointing build-up to the tournament, drawing against Nicaragua and Jamaica and suffering a loss to Panama.
Czechia vs South Africa Group A prediction
Czechia appears to have the edge heading into this crucial Group A encounter. Despite their opening defeat to South Korea, they have shown greater consistency in recent months and possess a more balanced squad than South Africa, which is still searching for its first win in five matches. Both sides are desperate for points to keep their knockout hopes alive, and South Africa is expected to put up a fight. But Czechia’s recent form and overall quality should prove decisive. It should be a close match, but Czechia will get the much-needed win.
Prediction: Czechia 2-1 South Africa
Czechia vs South Africa Probable starting XI
Czechia Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Matej Kovár
Defenders: Ladislav Krejci, Robin Hranác, Stepán Chaloupek
Midfielders: Jaroslav Zelený, Alexandr Sojka, Tomás Soucek, Vladimír Coufal, Pavel Sulc
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Striker: Adam Hlozek, Patrik Schick
South Africa Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon, RB Khuliso Mudau
Midfielders: Jayden Adams, Teboho Mokoena, Relebohile Mofokeng
Attackers: Oswin Appollis, Kamogelo Sebelebele
Striker: Lyle Foster
Frequently asked question
1.What time does the Czechia vs South Africa FIFA World Cup 2026 match kick off?
The Group A match kicks off at 12 p.m. ET / 9 am. PT / 5 p.m. BST / 9:30 pm. IST
2. Where will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Czechia vs South Africa take place?
It will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, United States
3. How to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Czechia vs South Africa
United States – FOX Network, fuboTV, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, FOX One
Canada – TSN+, TSN1, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, CTV, RDS App, CTV App, Crave
México – Canal 5 Televisa, TUDN, Azteca 7, TUDN En Vivo, Las Estrellas, Azteca Deportes En Vivo, ViX México
United Kingdom – BBC Sport Web, BBC One, BBC iPlayer
India – Unite8 Sports Channel
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