Czech Republic and South Africa both have the chance to bounce back from defeat in their opening games at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The two nations will lock horns in Atlanta on Thursday evening, with another loss for either meaning they will be knocked out of Group A with a game left to play.
The Czech lost 2-1 to South Korea in their opening game, while Bafana Bafana lost 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium last Thursday. Both nations occupy the bottom two places in Group A as we head into the second round of matches.
The opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was marred with controversy as three red cards were shown for the first time ever in the first game of the tournament. Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off, meaning they will probably miss the rest of the tournament.
Czechia have only lost their opening matches at a World Cup twice before in 1954 and 1970.
South Africa are hoping they can replicate their success in the World Cup against a European side. They famously beat France 2-1 when they hosted the global showpiece back in 2010.
Which of these sides will bounce back and keep their qualification hopes alive? Here we have a look at both teams ahead of the match and offer our predicted outcome.
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What time does Czech vs South Africa start?
The match kicks off at 7PM E.A.T at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Czech vs South Africa team news
Ladislav Krejci continued his exemplary goalscoring form by scoring their only goal in the defeat to South Korea. The defender will start here as well as Stepan Chaloupek on the opposite flank.
Vladimir Coufal and Thomas Soucek are a key part of the midfield and the duo will retain their spots in the starting XI.
There are no changes expected from the side, with Patrick Schick leading the attacking line up front.
Bafana Bafana are significantly weaker heading into this match after the red cards in the opener. This should prompt Hugo Broos to make some tactical changes ahead of the match.
Lyle Foster struggled against Mexico and he could be relegated to the bench, with Evidence Makgopa expected to come into the starting lineup.
Aubrey Modiba and Jayden Adams both came off the bench against the Mexicans but are both tipped to be handed a start here.
Czech vs South Africa head-to-head and current form
The opening loss halted a six-game winning streak for Czechia and they are keen to bounce back here. They have also scored in nine consecutive games and that trend is expected to continue here.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana’s winless run was extended to six games after the 2-0 loss. They have only managed to score one goal in their last three outings and need to rediscover their scoring formula here.
These teams have only played each other once before in their history which resulted in a stalemate at the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Current form:
Czech – LWWWW
South Africa – LDDLD
Czech vs South Africa previous games
- South Africa 2-2 Czech (December 13, 1997)
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Czech vs South Africa prediction
With early elimination staring both teams in the face, this is a very crucial match. It is unlikely that there will not be any goals, with both nations set to throw their attacking options at it – seeking the vital three points.
However, the Czech have been in better form in recent weeks and come into the match as favorites to bounce back and win.
Prediction – Czech Republic to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!