Team South Africa greet spectators after the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
ATLANTA, United States, June 18 (Xinhua) -- South Africa and Czechia played out a 1-1 draw in their second Group A match at the 2026 World Cup here on Thursday, a result that satisfied neither side.
Both teams suffered defeats in the opening round, with South Africa losing 2-0 to Mexico, while Czechia was beaten 2-1 by South Korea.
Czechia made an aggressive start as striker Patrik Schick headed wide of the post just one minute into the game, before the European side broke the deadlock in the sixth minute.
A throw-in allowed Czechia to launch a slick team move, with Alexandr Sojka setting up Michal Sadilek to score what is the fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup so far.
However, it was the only shot on target in the first half, with both sides struggling to create genuine chances.
Czechia had chances to double its lead straight after the break, but South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams pulled off a string of saves to deny Lukas Cerv and Schick.
South Africa earned a precious penalty in the 82nd minute after Pavel Sulc handled the ball, and Teboho Mokoena kept his cool to convert, sending Matej Kovar the wrong way.
The game intensified in the dying minutes, with both sides pushing for a late winner that never materialized.
Coach Miroslav Koubek rued the lapse that cost his side three points in Atlanta after a game in which Czechia had the better chances.
"We're disappointed with this result because I think that, if we look at the chances, we were closer to winning, but we made a mistake that cost us the tie. Despite that, we played better in the second half," he said.
"Yes, we made mistakes, but I'm very proud of the performance today. The Czechia team is powerful and very tall. We did very well. It's a little bit of a pity that it's only 1-1, but we just have to win the game against South Korea, which will be very difficult too. If we play with the same mentality, it will be possible," said South Africa coach Hugo Broos. ■
Ladislav Krejci (1st R) of the Czech Republic greets spectators after the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams (L) of South Africa cheers with teammate Mbekezeli Mbokazi during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Teboho Mokoena (2nd R) of South Africa celebrates a goal from a penalty kick with teammates during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Teboho Mokoena (2nd R) of South Africa celebrates a goal from a penalty kick with teammates during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Players of South Africa celebrate a goal from a penalty kick of Teboho Mokoena during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Referee Tori Penso (L) shows a yellow card to Ladislav Krejci (R) of the Czech Republic during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Teboho Mokoena (front) of South Africa scores from a penalty kick during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Teboho Mokoena (1st R) of South Africa celebrates a goal from a penalty kick with teammates during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Teboho Mokoena (front) of South Africa scores from a penalty kick during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Khuliso Mudau (L) of South Africa vies with Jaroslav Zeleny of the Czech Republic during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Thapelo Maseko (C) of South Africa jumps for a header during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Robin Hranac (C) of the Czech Republic heads the ball during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Iqraam Rayners (front) of South Africa jumps for a header against Robin Hranac of the Czech Republic during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Vladimir Darida (L) of the Czech Republic vies with Mbekezeli Mbokazi of South Africa during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Khuliso Mudau (2nd L) heads the ball during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Vladimir Darida (front) of the Czech Republic vies with Oswin Appollis of South Africa during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Khuliso Mudau (R) of South Africa competes during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Vladimir Coufal (front R) of the Czech Republic competes during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Michal Sadilek (back R) of the Czech Republic celebrates a goal during the group A match between the Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
