Czech Republic and South Africa on brink of World Cup exits after stalemate

19 Jun 2026 • 2:04 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Czech Republic and South Africa on brink of World Cup exits after stalemate

  • Czech Republic faced South Africa in Thursday’s opening World Cup match in Atlanta.
  • The game finished 1-1, a result that did little for the qualification hopes of either team after they lost their opening games, with Czech Republic falling short against South Korea while South Africa were beaten by co-hosts Mexico.
  • Czech Republic took the lead in just the sixth minutes through Michal Sadilek, but South Africa rescued a point when Teboho Mokoena equalised from the penalty spot with seven minutes remaining.
  • Both teams now have just one point from their opening two games and are likely to require a win in their last match to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
  • South Africa are due to face South Korea on 24 June, while Czech Republic will take on Mexico on the same date.