FIFA World Cup 2026: South Africa draw with Czech Republic, keeping knockout hopes alive

South Africa kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage aspirations alive by securing a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic. Teboho Mokoena's penalty in the closing stages canceled out Michal Sadilek's early goal, ensuring the points were shared.

The draw leaves both teams with one point each in Group A. They trail co-hosts Mexico and South Korea, who are set to play each other later. Both South Africa and the Czech Republic will likely need victories in their upcoming matches to progress to the last 32.

“

I'm very proud of my team. This is Bafana Bafana - we love good football, we are aggressive, we create chances. Yes, we made mistakes, but I'm very proud of the performance today.

South Africa is scheduled to face South Korea next, while the Czech Republic faces a difficult match against Mexico. Both sides entered this game seeking a response after opening their campaigns with defeats.

South Africa's coach, Hugo Broos, expressed pride in his team's performance, highlighting their attacking intent and aggressive play. "I'm very proud of my team. This is Bafana Bafana - we love good football, we are aggressive, we create chances," Broos stated. He acknowledged minor errors but emphasized the team's strong showing against a physically imposing Czech side. "Czechia are powerful and very tall. We did very well. It's a little bit of a pity that it's only 1-1, but we just have to win the game against Korea Republic," he added.

“

Czechia are powerful and very tall. We did very well. It's a little bit of a pity that it's only 1-1, but we just have to win the game against Korea Republic, which will be very difficult too. If we play with the same mentality, it will be possible.