South Africa scored a penalty seven minutes from the end as they fought back to snatch a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in a fairly pedestrian World Cup 2026 clash.
Teboho Mokoena slotted home the spot-kick after Pavel Sulc’s handball gave the South Africans a lifeline as they were staring at potential early elimination in Group A.
The Czechs led from the sixth minute when Michal Sadilek struck home after a clever slipped pass from Alexandr Sojka following Adam Hlozek’s delivery from the right wing.
Both teams now have a point after losing their respective opening games and will likely need a win in their fianl group encounters to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stage.
Relive all the action:
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World Cup 2026 fixtures, results and group tables
Czech Republic v South Africa LIVE
- Czech Republic and South Africa fight to draw in Group A
- Teboho Mokoena equalised from the penalty spot late on after Michal Sadilek's early opener
- 83' - GOAL! Mokoena rifles in penalty to give South Africa lifeline [CZE 1-1 RSA]
- 6' - GOAL! Sadilek fires Czechs into early lead with neat finish [CZE 1-0 RSA]
'South Africa should have gone for it'
19:23 , Chris Wilson“South Africa pushed at the end and... too little, too late,” says Stephen Warnock on BBC.
“Both teams will be disappointed to come away with a draw.
“I think South Africa should have gone for it a little bit more. They played too safe at times and it almost felt like a training ground exercise,” added the former defender.
Group A fixtures
19:18 , Chris WilsonAnd with that in mind, here are the remaining fixtures in Group A as hosts Mexico look to secure top spot:
Thursday 18 June, 17:00: Czech Republic vs South Africa – Atlanta
Friday 19 June, 02:00: Mexico vs Korea Republic – Guadalajara
Thursday 25 June, 02:00: Czech Republic vs Mexico – Mexico City
Thursday 25 June, 02:00: South Africa vs Korea Republic – Monterrey
Next up
19:14 , Chris WilsonSouth Africa’s final game comes on Wednesday, 24 June against South Korea, with that one taking place in Guadalajara.
Czech Republic will face Mexico at the same time at the Azteca in Mexico City.
FULL-TIME! Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa
19:10 , Chris WilsonNot the result that eiother wanted but it was the right one in the end on balance.
Both sides showed good signs at times but neither had enough quality in the final third to really punish their opponents, so the spoils are shared.
However, the Czechs wil be disappointed that they never put that early advantage to good use.
In the end it’s a point that keeps both sides alive in the 2026 World Cup, though both will need a win in their final games if they are to make the last 32.
Group A standings
19:06 , Chris WilsonHere’s how Group A looks at the moment then, with Mexico to play South Korea tomorrow at 2am:
1 - Mexico - 3pts, GD +2
2 - South Korea - 3pts, GD +1
1 - Czech Republic - 1pt, GD -1
4 - South Africa - 1pt, GD -2
FULL-TIME! Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa
19:03 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa
19:00 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle and that will be that! A deserved point for South Africa but it’s not a result that necessarily helps either side!
Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa
18:59 , Chris Wilson90 +6 mins
CLOSE! Oh, was that the moment!? A great dribble drags in a couple of Czech defenders and it’s released it to Modiba, but his shot from inside the area is blocked well and the corner comes to nothing.
Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa
18:57 , Chris Wilson90 +5 mins
South Africa’s turn to attack now. Neither side is settling for a draw.
Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa
18:56 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
CLOSE! Two chances for the Czechs in almost as many seconds, with Sulc’s cross cleared at the last moment before Provod drags an effort narrowly wide of the far post!
Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa
18:53 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
Into the first of seven minutes of added time. Plenty of time to find a winner!
Not this time around though, as the free-kick is headed away before the offside flag goes up.
Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa
18:52 , Chris Wilson89 mins
The Czech Republic win a corner as we enter the final minute of normal time. Can someone find a winner late on?
The set-piece is cleared but the Czechs come again, winning a free-kick on the left wing in a dangerous area...
Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa
18:50 , Chris Wilson87 mins
You have to say, it’s a tad harsh on theat penalty decision on Sulc. Where else where his arms supposed to be? They certainly weren’t in an unnatural position.
Anyway, both teams have a few minutes plus added time to find a winner here.
Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa
18:48 , Chris Wilson85 mins
Do South Africa have the time to grab a winner here? They’ve been on top for a while here but they need to be wary of the Czech Republic’s threat,
Czech Republic 1-1 South Africa (Mokoena, 83')
18:46 , Chris Wilson83 mins
GOAL!
Mokoena steps up to take the spot-kick and it’s a superb effort, rifled low and into the side-netting to give Kovar no chance!
PENALTY TO SOUTH AFRICA! Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:44 , Chris Wilson83 mins
It’s given! Sulc is deemed to have handballed it and South Africa have a lifeline!
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:44 , Chris Wilson82 mins
It’s South Africa applying most of the pressure here, as the Czechs look content to sit back and counter for now.
And that pressure might have paid off! Bafana bafana want a penalty as a shot comes ricocheting back off the hand of Sulc...
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:41 , Chris Wilson80 mins
Finally a decent set-piece routine from South Africa but the pass was just overhit.
They play it short and the subsequent through ball nearly finds Appollis free in the box, but the pass just had too much on it and Krejci recovers to clear.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:40 , Chris Wilson78 mins
The Czech Republic bring off Cerv for David Zima as they look to tighten up at the back.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:38 , Chris Wilson76 mins
Another yellow card here, this one for Krejci as he clips Maseko.
The free-kick produces another shot from distance that is of course blocked by a sea of bodies in the box. Just poor decision-making from South Africa.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:36 , Chris Wilson74 mins
Half a chance for South Africa as a cross from deep is swung in to Makgopa, but it’s a very difficult header from there and he can only direct it right at Kovar.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:33 , Chris Wilson71 mins
Back underway in Atlanta.
South Africa are running out of time in this one!
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:30 , Chris Wilson68 mins
Into the second hydration break of the game.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:29 , Chris Wilson67 mins
Subs for the Czech Republic as thery bring on Soucek and Provod for Sadilek and Hlozek.
For South Africa, Rayners makes way for Evidence Makgopa.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:25 , Chris Wilson63 mins
The Czech Republic are still playing better out of the two sides, though they’re not a dominant now as they were in the first half. They do still look the more dangerous of the two teams though.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:21 , Chris Wilson59 mins
Another opening for the Czech Republic, though this one sees another last-gasp block in the box to keep the score at 1-0.
For all their possession, there haven’t been too many clear-cut chances for the Czech Republic, partly thanks to some good last-ditch defending from the South Africans.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:17 , Chris Wilson56 mins
Cerv tests Williams with an effort from range and the ‘keeper is forced to tip it over.
The Czech Republic make subs, as Darida and Sojka make way for Sulc and Zeleny.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:14 , Chris Wilson53 mins
A searching cross in almost finds Darida at the back post, but Mokoena has done brilliantly to hook it off the foot of the Czech Republic man.
The Czechs win a corner and Krejci rises highest, but he can only direct the header over the bar from eight yards.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:12 , Chris Wilson50 mins
superb pass from Mokoena sets up a chance down the wing for South Africa, but the cross in is deflected behind.
From the corner, another naive South Africa shot from distance hits the crowd of bodies outside the area.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:09 , Chris Wilson48 mins
Another quick start from the Czechs, with Sojka getting away down the left.
He squares it back to Darida, whose first touch is poor, meaning his shot is eventually blocked.
They win a corner and the ball in is good, but the header is straight at the ‘keeper.
KICK-OFF! Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:06 , Chris WilsonBack underway in this Group A clash!
South Africa have made a substitution, with Adams making way for Relebohile Mofokeng.
HALF-TIME! Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:05 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are back in the tunnel in Atlanta, so we’ll be getting re-started soon.
HALF-TIME! Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
18:00 , Chris WilsonIt was a superb start from the Czech Republic as Sadilek opened the scoring within six minutes, but they never kicked on from there and if anything they’ve given South Africa hope that they can still take something from this.
Bafana Bafana have grown into the game and have threatened at times, though too often they’ve been lacking the necessary quality in the final third.
They’ll need to step up if they’re going to get a draw or a win in Atlanta this evening.
HALF-TIME! Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:55 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:50 , Chris WilsonA South Africa cross causes some problems for Kovar in goal but his teammates make the block and get it clear!
The referee blows the whistle and we go into the break with the Czech Republic holding a narrow lead.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:48 , Chris Wilson45 +3 mins
It’s petering out as we approach the end of the first half here.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:46 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Another South Africa attack ends with a wild effort from distance, this one coming from Mokoena.
We’re into the first of four minutes of added time in Atlanta.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:44 , Chris Wilson44 mins
South Africa have grown into the game since the goal but the Czechs still look pretty comfortable, though Krejci is forced into the latest defensive intervention for his side.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:42 , Chris Wilson40 mins
Almost a moment of madenss there as a poor pass from Williams forces his teammate into a long clearance across his own box! Fortunately the Czech’s can’t make anything of the long throw.
They come again though, winning a promising free-kick just over 30 yards out, but it’s blasted over when the ball into the box would’ve been a better option.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:39 , Chris Wilson37 mins
Better from South Africa as a little two-touch move ends with Maseko getting free down the right, but Cerv is alert to it and heads behind for a corner.
South Africa can’t make anything of the set-piece though.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:35 , Chris Wilson35 mins
South Africa have to be careful here! A loose pass finds a Czech player and they break quickly, but the pass into the box is a poor one and the chance goes begging.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:34 , Chris Wilson33 mins
The first booking of the day goes to Mokoena after he slides in late on Cerv.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:31 , Chris Wilson30 mins
Not quite a notable change in momentum but South Africa have seen plenty of the ball since the break.
Still not a lot in the way of chances for either side since the opener though.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:27 , Chris Wilson27 mins
Back underway!
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:23 , Chris Wilson23 mins
Into the first hydration break of the game.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:22 , Chris Wilson22 mins
South Africa have improved on the ball and they look a little more threatening now, but they stil haven’t created anything clear-cut.
At the same time, the Czech Republic look very dangerous on the break.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:20 , Chris Wilson19 mins
Moments later, an opening for the Czech Republic. A free-kick from deep finds the feet of Sojka, who clips in a lovely ball towrds two unmarked teammates at the back post...but neither had anticipated it!
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:18 , Chris Wilson17 mins
Almost an opening for South Africa as a cross is fizzed in by Appollis from the right, but Rayners can’t make meaningful contact with it.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:15 , Chris Wilson14 mins
The Czech pressure returns again but this time Hlozek is thwarted on the edge of the box by a great challenge from Mokoena.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:13 , Chris Wilson12 mins
A rare South Africa attack ends with a shot from distance deflected narrowly wide into the side-netting!
Nothing comes of the corner though as a wild effort from distance flies miles wide.
Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa
17:10 , Chris Wilson9 mins
The Czechs aren’t resting on their laurels here. Coufal gets away down the right and tries to clip a cross to Schick, but it’s headed away well.
GOAL! Czech Republic 1-0 South Africa (Sadilek, 6')
17:08 , Chris Wilson6 mins
GOAL! it didn’t look like it would take long and it hasn’t!
The Czech Republic are ahead courtesy of Sadílek.
The long throw in behind the defence finds Hlozek, who cuts it back to Sojka on the edge of the box. The midfielder plays a beautiful first-time pass into the path of Sadilek to send him clean through, and the Slavia Prague man makes no mistake, rifling past the ‘keeper to make it 1-0!
Czech Republic 0-0 South Africa
17:05 , Chris Wilson4 mins
South Africa clear the first corner of the game and get their foot on the ball for the first time, but their possession ends with a mis-placed pass.
At the other end, the Czech Republic win a free-kick 35 yards out, with Adams clearing the cross at the expense of a corner.
Czech Republic 0-0 South Africa
17:02 , Chris Wilson1 min
CLOSE! Plenty of early intent from the Czechs and they should really score within a minute here!
They spread it wide and a cross finds Schick completely unmarked at the back post, but he can only direct a weak header wide under barely any pressure!
He knows that was a big chance.
KICK-OFF! Czech Republic 0-0 South Africa
17:00 , Chris WilsonTears from some of the players as the anthems are sung. They know how much this means and how important this game could be,
The referee gets us underway in Atlanta!
Czech Republic v South Africa LIVE
16:55 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are out of the tunnel at the Atlanta Stadium, so we’ll be underway soon here once we’ve had the national anthems.
Czech Republic v South Africa LIVE
16:50 , Chris Wilson
Czech Republic v South Africa LIVE
16:45 , Chris WilsonJust 15 minutes until kick-off in Atlanta, in what is a huge game for both sides.
Neither side’s World Cup dream would be over if they were to lose, but it would mean they would have to win their final game and hope that three points and their goal difference is enough to carry them through as one of the third-placed teams.
If one team can grab a win, it means they could probably rely on a draw to carry them through in the final game of the group stages.
South Africa preview
16:40 , Chris WilsonBack on the biggest stage for the first time since hosting in 2010, will there be a moment to rival “Goal, Bafana, Bafana” in a repeat of that opening fixture 16 years ago? Probably not.
They entered last winter’s Africa Cup of Nations with high hopes of a deep run only for Cameroon to win a round of 16 meeting 2-1, while their qualification for this tournament appeared in some jeopardy after being docked three points after midfielder Teboho Mokoena mistakenly played in a qualifier versus Lesotho despite being suspended because of an accumulation of yellow cards..
Lyle Foster, the Burnley forward, may be the only recognisable name for fans watching on from the UK but their big strength will be familiarity. Eight of the squad are clubmates for Mamelodi Sundowns, the dominant domestic team who had won eight of the previous titles before Orlando Pirates pipped them by a point this season. There are eight Pirates in the squad too.
That camaraderie will be key if they are to cause a surprise, though head coach Hugo Broos, a 74-year-old veteran, is hardly spelling out grand expectations. “We’re going to do our best but I don’t think anyone will blame us if we don’t make it out of the group,” he said recently.
Czech Republic preview
16:35 , Chris WilsonThey entered the play-offs in supposed shambles but arrive at the World Cup with a newly-acquired sense of fortitude. Miroslav Koubek, 74, was installed as head coach following a dire group campaign that ended with Tomas Soucek stripped of the captaincy because of a row with fans. They started awfully against Ireland in their semi-final, too, only to be gifted a penalty when two goals down, eventually progressing to a final with Denmark via penalties.
The Danes dominated that encounter, peppering the Czech goal in a game that again ended with a shootout. Again, they were flawless from the spot and from an unlikely position seem to have developed a bloody-mindedness that overwrites the absence of coherent, attacking football.
This is a squad packed with familiar names; mostly because they have been around for so long. Having qualified for all eight European Championships since the break up of Czechoslovakia, this is just a second World Cup appearance and their 2006 tournament ended in the group stage. Making it to a maiden knockout tie would be progress for a team whose presence appeared doubtful more than once.
Line-ups
16:32 , Chris WilsonSouth Africa XI: Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbozaki, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha, Adams; Maseko, Rayners, Appollis.
Line-ups
16:30 , Chris WisonCzech Republic XI: Kovar; Hranac, Holes, Krejci; Coufal, Sadilek, Darida, Cerv, Sojka; Hlozek, Schick.
Players arrive in Atlanta
16:25 , Chris WilsonBoth sets of players have arrived at the Atlanta Stadium as preparations are well underway...
Group A fixtures
16:20 , Chris WilsonAnd with that in mind, here are the remaining fixtures in Group A as hosts Mexico look to secure top spot:
Thursday 18 June, 17:00: Czech Republic vs South Africa – Atlanta
Friday 19 June, 02:00: Mexico vs Korea Republic – Guadalajara
Thursday 25 June, 02:00: Czech Republic vs Mexico – Mexico City
Thursday 25 June, 02:00: South Africa vs Korea Republic – Monterrey
Group A results
16:15 , Chris WilsonAs we prepare for the second round of Group A fixtures, here’s a reminder of how the first games went:
Thursday 11 June, 20:00: Mexico 2-0 South Africa – Mexico City
Friday 12 June, 03:00: Korea Republic 2-1 Czech Republic – Guadalajara
POLL: Is Ronaldo holding Portugal back?
16:10 , Will Castle10 men and a statue: Portugal are sacrificing another World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego
16:05 , Richard JollyAnything Lionel Messi could do, Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't do better. A day after the Argentinian began his World Cup in a manner to suggest his talent is timeless, his great rival started in a way to show his powers have waned with the passing of time.
Messi’s treble against Algeria gives him 16 World Cup goals, double Ronaldo’s tally. More pertinently, it justified Argentina’s policy of building a team around an ageing legend. For the third tournament in row, however, the danger is that Ronaldo holds Portugal back. A draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo highlighted the difficulties of trying to win the World Cup with a team of 10 men and a statue. For one of the favourites, it was a wretched start.
Houston, they had a problem. Or he was the problem. Ronaldo’s impotence condemned Portugal to a draw which, in turn, could mean there is no last reunion with Messi in the quarter-finals in Kansas City: fail to win the group and they will have to plot a different path altogether. As Ronaldo appeared in a sixth World Cup, he remains yet to become the first player to score in six. He did not get particularly close.
Richard Jolly gives his take on question marks surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo:
Portugal are sacrificing another World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo’s ego
Win a copy of Miguel Delaney’s States of Play with his Inside Football newsletter
16:00 , Will CastleIf you’ve ever wondered who really owns and controls football, now’s your chance to find out.
Miguel Delaney, The Independent’s chief football writer, takes readers inside the game in the latest paperback edition of States of Play: How Sportswashing Took Over Football.
To celebrate the World Cup, The Independent is giving away 10 copies of the paperback edition.
This competition is open exclusively to members of the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter. To enter, simply join HERE before 12pm on 1 July.Miguel’s weekly newsletter includes:
- An agenda-setting column, diving into the real story behind a big football theme
- Behind-the-scenes updates from reporting trips, including the World Cup
- Access to weekly Q&As, where your questions can be featured
- Snippets of insider knowledge from sources, offering a deeper view beyond the headlines
New Inside Football members can enjoy their first month FREE. After that, membership costs just £3 per month or £30 per year. Join HERE.
Win a copy of Miguel Delaney’s States of Play with his Inside Football newsletter
World Cup 2026 power rankings
15:55 , Will CastleWhere do Czech Republic and South Africa sit in our World Cup power rankings after round one of the group stage? Spoiler: it’s not in the top 10.
See how every team stacks up, as we delve deeper into those who made an early statement:
World Cup 2026 power rankings: England and France make statements after round one
England have a new exciting way under Thomas Tuchel but two problems remain
15:50 , Miguel Delaney in DallasIt wasn’t just the performance that England had waited years for, it was an attitude.
“Even if we lose,” Thomas Tuchel told his players at half-time in Dallas, “we do it our way.”
There is so much in those few words that could yet have resulted in so much more than the four brilliant goals they got against Croatia.
There was a new ethos, and the fulfilment of a promise. Tuchel had long said he wanted to restore a proper Premier League intensity to the national side, and here it was, offering one of the best performances in the World Cup so far.
Miguel Delaney reports from Dallas after last night’s England opener:
England have a new exciting way under Thomas Tuchel but two problems remain
Group A fixtures
15:45 , Will CastleThursday 11 June, 20:00: Mexico 2-0 South Africa – Mexico City
Friday 12 June, 03:00: Korea Republic 2-1 Czech Republic – Guadalajara
Thursday 18 June, 17:00: Czech Republic vs South Africa – Atlanta
Friday 19 June, 02:00: Mexico vs Korea Republic – Guadalajara
Thursday 25 June, 02:00: Czech Republic vs Mexico – Mexico City
Thursday 25 June, 02:00: South Africa vs Korea Republic – Monterrey
World Cup 2026 – Group A guide: Mexican wonderkid Gilberto Mora to inspire hosts
South Africa ones to watch
15:40 , Will CastleStar player – Ronwen Williams, Mamelodi Sundowns: Those who spent a reasonable amount of time watching last summer’s Club World Cup - which, beyond any action on the pitch, served as a a logistical dress rehearsal for what is about to follow - will recognise South Africa’s captain-goalkeeper for being the first penalised for holding on to the ball for more than eight seconds. He is also a dab hand at getting his hands on penalty kicks: in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Cup of Nations he saved just the quartet of spotters from Cape Verde, earning global media attention. The chances of him being required in a shootout come the knockout stages here are slim but without his presence between the posts the group’s outsiders would have an even smaller chance of progress.
Breakout talent – Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Chicago Fire: The centre back, 20, has overcome a tricky adaption period before settling into being one of Major League Soccer’s most dependable defenders this year and he hopes that his experience of playing across North America can assist Bafana Bafana - though two of their fixtures are in Mexico. Nicknamed TLB (Tractor, Loader, Backhoe) in a nod to his physicality on the pitch, Mbokazi may not be the tallest central defender at the tournament, measuring up at 5”10, but he is stocky and fond of playing the ball out from the back. "Our aim is to get a win, and it’s going to call us to be unified as a team and to work together to succeed,” he said, setting the bar slightly higher than Broos.
Czech Republic ones to watch
15:35 , Will CastleStar player – Patrick Schick, Bayer Leverkusen: The attack leans upon the 30-year-old, who is averaging a little under a goal every two caps and is destined to be remembered for that long-range striker against Scotland at Euro 2020. Tomas Chory, of Slavia Prague, looked way off it when leading the line against Ireland in March, while Schick operated slightly behind, and it would be a surprise if Koubek persists with that system here. Schick managed 16 Bundesliga goals as Leverkusen faded down to sixth - a still creditable return.
Breakout talent – Ladislav Krejci, Wolves: When a squad is this packed with old hands, it is impossible to name a breakout star in its strictest meaning but Krejci, one of the bright spots for relegated Wolves, is one whose stock beyond the Black Country could rise considerably. Captain when Soucek was demoted in March, he was vital to the resurgence against Ireland and performs with an all-action style that is easy to get behind. His loan from Girona is expected to be made permanent by Wolves at the time of writing, despite their slip to the Championship, but he could prove that he is deserving of a top-tier place with a decent showing over the next couple of weeks.
Broos wants Zwane ban overturned
15:30 , Will CastleSouth Africa coach Hugo Broos wants to appeal midfielder Themba Zwane's three-match ban for a red card at the World Cup, citing Lionel Messi in his reasoning.
Zwane was given one of the three red cards in the opening game of the World Cup on Thursday, when Mexico beat South Africa 2-0.
Speaking on Wednesday, Broos noted Messi avoided punishment for what appeared to be a foul in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday as evidence of what he believes was an unfair sanction by the Fifa disciplinary committee.
Zwane was sent off in the 84th minute in Mexico City for hitting Roberto Alvarado in the face. Standard punishment is a one-match suspension, but Fifa said Wednesday it had increased the sanction because it was deemed serious foul play.
The suspension means Zwane would not be able to play again until the round of 16 if South Africa advance that far.
“I think the, the red card, is too severe. I saw back the situation where Themba got the red card. I don’t think it was a red card,” Broos said. "When I see what happened yesterday with Messi, then I don’t agree."
Ivory Coast star becomes second World Cup player denied entry to Canada
15:25 , Will CastleThe big story of today.
Ivory Coast’s Elye Wahi has been denied entry into Canada for his country’s next World Cup match – a day after it was revealed that the 23-year-old had been arrested over match-fixing offences.
The Ivorian forward Wahi is the subject of an “active investigation” from the French police to establish whether he deliberately earned a yellow card while playing for Nice against Metz in Ligue 1 on 17 May.
A report in The Athletic detailed that Wahi, who started Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win against Ecuador on Sunday night, was subsequently arrested by French police on 29 May and was released after an interview.
Ivory Coast star becomes second World Cup player denied entry to Canada
Can Czech Republic turn their World Cup around?
15:20 , Will CastleCzech Republic will have taken far more positives out of their opener against South Korea, even though it ended in defeat.
They took the lead in that game through Ladislav Krejci, only to have the game turned on its head in the space of 13 minutes.
If they find themselves in a winning position today, they must keep hold of it - failure to do so and their World Cup will be all but over.
South Africa's opening nightmare
15:15 , Will CastleIn the cauldron of the Azteca, South Africa were welcomed back to the World Cup stage in a baptism of fire.
They were roundly dominated by hosts Mexico, with the scoreline of 2-0 flattering them in the end.
But it was the two red cards that really highlighted the South African capitulation, one of which was given to Yaya Sithole who put in perhaps one of the worst World Cup performances in modern memory.
A lot to forget going into tonight.
Tough times never last...
15:10 , Will CastleThings did not go to plan for either of today’s teams in round one of the group stage, both failing to get any points on the board.
One of these teams could be all but condemned to elimination tonight, while the other could see their campaign rejuvenation completely rejuvenated.
When is Czech Republic vs South Africa
15:05 , Will CastleCzech Republic’s clash with South Africa kicks off at 5pm BST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. An early one!
How can I watch it?
It will be broadcast live on BBC One with coverage starting at 4:30pm BST.
Czech Republic vs South Africa LIVE!
15:00 , Will CastleCzech Republic and South Africa face off in a vital clash in World Cup 2026 Group A this evening, with both sides desperate to register their first win of the tournament.
South Africa opened the tournament against Mexico last week in what was a disastrous performance, with Bafana Bafana falling to a 2-0 loss and losing both Yaya Sitole and Themba Zwane to red cards.
The Czech Republic fared better against South Korea, but still fell to a defeat after Oh Hyeon-gyu’s late goal.
And while neither side’s World Cup dream is over after just one game, a defeat this evening would put the losing team in a precarious position with just one match left, and a win could prove vital if either nation is to make the last 32.
Good afternoon
14:50 , Will CastleHello there and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the Group A clash between Czech Republic and South Africa at the 2026 World Cup.
Stay tuned for all the latest team news, build-up and match action!
