Czechia vs South Africa: World Cup 2026 prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds (cloned) | OneFootball

Bafana Bafana facing two suspensions after opening day nightmare

Both Czechia and South Africa remain in pursuit of their first win at the 2026 World Cup as they meet in matchday two.

South Africa, meanwhile, were humiliated with the whole world watching as they were beaten by Mexico in the tournament curtain-raiser at the Estadio Azteca.

Bafana Bafana failed to lay a glove on Mexico at any point of the match, and Hugo Broos has his work cut out for him if he is to get the side on song.

This match will be a must-win for both sides, as to head into the third group-stage matchday pointless would make progression an effective impossibility.

South Africa were convincingly beaten by Mexico last time out

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Date, kick-off time and venue

Czechia vs South Africa is scheduled for a 5pm BST kick-off on Thursday, June 17, 2026.

The match will take place at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia.

Where to watch Czechia vs South Africa for FREE

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 4.30pm BST ahead of a 5pm kick-off.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert insight from Ronan Sullivan.

Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with BBC iPlayer.

Czechia vs South Africa team news

Czechia come into this match with one injury worry, as Jan Kuchta deals with an ankle problem. The striker played no part against South Korea last time out, though, and Patrik Schick should fully expect to keep his place.

Rotation could come in the back line after South Korea’s late comeback, with the likes of David Doudera and David Jurasek both in line for a chance to impress.

Czechia squad:

Goalkeepers: Lukas Hornicek, Matej Kovar, Jindrich Stanek

Defenders: Vladimir Coufal, David Doudera, Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Stepan Chaloupek, David Jurasek, Ladislav Krejci, Jaroslav Zeleny, David Zima

Midfielders: Lukas Cerv, Vladimir Darida, Lukas Provod, Michal Sadilek, Hugo Sochurek, Alexandr Sojka, Tomas Soucek, Pavel Sulc, Denis Visinsky

Forwards: Adam Hlozek, Tomas Chory, Mojmir Chytil, Jan Kuchta, Patrik Schick

Czechia may opt to rotate defensively after day one defeat

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Hugo Broos will not be able to call upon either of Sithole or Zwane after they were both sent for early showers at the Azteca, leaving considerable holes in midfield.

Sithole is generally a nailed-on starter and will need replacing, though second-string Zwane is less of a miss. Opportunities could come for Thalente Mbatha, who came off the bench against Mexico.

In one slight positive, Broos has no known injuries to consider.

South Africa squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Olwethu Makhanya, Bradley Cross, Thabang Matuludi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko

Dismissed: Sphephelo Sithole

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Czechia vs South Africa prediction

South Africa’s performance at the Estadio Azteca was perhaps among the most forgettable of matchday one. A 2-0 defeat complete with two red cards - there were few positives to take, if any.

Czechia, meanwhile, faced what was arguably a stiffer opponent in South Korea and more than held their own, save for the obvious late capitulation.

Start well and impose themselves, this stricken South Africa should not be too difficult for Czechia to sweep aside. We expect them to chalk up their first three points of the summer.

Czechia to win 3-0.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

These two nations have met exactly once, playing out a 2-2 draw during the 1997 Confederations Cup. The Liverpool cult hero Vladimir Smicer scored both goals for the Czech Republic.

Czechia wins: 0

South Africa wins: 0

Draws: 1

Czechia vs South Africa match odds

Czechia to win: 4/6

South Africa to win: 10/3

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