Following a disappointing 2-0 defeat to co-hosts, Mexico, in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener last week, South Africa needed to make a stern comeback in their second Group A game against Czechia on Thursday 18 June, 2026 at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, United States (US).
The Bafana Bafana had to come from the back from the penalty spot to finish 1-1 against their European opponents and share points; the outcome means South Africa’s hopes of progressing in the tournament remains breathing.
Late penalty from Teboho Mokoena earned South Africa their first point of World Cup 2026 after Czechia failed to convert their chances.
After their defeat to the Mexicans, Bafana Bafana were desperately searching for a response after Czechia had gone in front, however, they looked slow and lacked creativity for a large portion of the showdown.
Czechia went in front early, in the 6th minute, through Michal Sadilek’s fine finish from a set piece, but, South Africa found the leveller from the penalty spot late, in the 83rd minute after a handball from Pavel Sulc.
Hugo Broos’ side struggled through the clash and failed to create chances as Czech goalkeeper was hardly tested.
The result leaves Group A widely open with both South Africa and Czechia still able to accumulate four (4) points and close the preliminaries at least third, which would be highly likely to have them scale through into the last 32.
In one of the other games on Thursday, Luis Diaz helped Colombia defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico. The Bayern Munich forward netted his country’s second goal in the 65th minute.
Results:
| FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group Phase) – Thursday 18 June, 2026 |
| Ghana 1-0 Panama |
| Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia |
| Czechia 1-1 South Africa |
| Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Canada 6-0 Qatar |
Photo: Teboho Mokoena celebrates after his goal earned South Africa its first point of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the match against Czechia on Thursday in Atlanta
