Czech Republic and South Africa draw 1-1: both teams on the brink of elimination at 2026 World Cup

Czech Republic and South Africa failed to break the deadlock on Thursday in Atlanta, finishing 1-1 in their second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A result that leaves both teams in a critical situation before the final day.

Already defeated in their opening matches — Czech Republic against South Korea (2-1) and South Africa against Mexico (2-0) — both nations could not afford to slip up. Yet they leave with just one point each, condemned to a knockout-style final match on June 25.

The Czechs made a strong start to the encounter: Sadilek opened the scoring as early as the 6th minute to give his team the advantage. But the Bafana Bafana equalized in the second half thanks to Mokoena, who converted a penalty in the 83rd minute, awarded after a handball by Sulc in the box. A cruel twist of fate for Czech Republic, who held their result until the final minutes.

The match referee was Mary Victoria Penso. Both teams will learn their fate on the final day of the group stage.