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FIFA World Cup 2026: South Africa hold Czech Republic 1-1
19 Jun 2026

In a thrilling encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, South Africa managed to secure their first point of the tournament after drawing 1-1 with Czech Republic in Group A.

The match was held in Atlanta and saw Teboho Mokoena score a late penalty to level the game for Bafana Bafana.

Michal Sadilek had given the Czech Republic an early lead with his smart finish in the fifth minute.

Mokoena's late penalty saves South Africa
Match highlights

The South African team, desperate to bounce back from their opening-game defeat to Mexico, struggled for most of the match.

They were unable to create many chances or test Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar until Mokoena's late penalty.

This was awarded after Pavel Sulc's inadvertent handball in the 81st minute.

The goal came as a huge relief for Hugo Broos's side, who had been trailing since Sadilek's early strike.

Match details and Group A standings
Game dynamics

The Czech Republic had several chances to extend their lead, including a free header from Patrik Schick that went straight at Ronwen Williams.

South Africa also had their chances, with Thapelo Maseko's blocked effort being the best before Mokoena's penalty.

Despite trailing for most of the match and looking sluggish at times, South Africa showed resilience to earn a point.

South Africa are placed 4th with 1 point from 2 games. Czech Republic are also on one point and are 3rd.

Mokoena makes these records
Records

As per Squawka, Mokoena became the first player to score for South Africa at the World Cup since Katlego Mphela against France in 2010.

He also is the 10th player to score for South Africa at the World Cup.

Mokoena had 119 touches against Czechia. It's the second-highest total for an African player in a World Cup match on record after Cameroon's Geremi against Saudi Arabia in 2002.

Here are the match stats
Fact

Czech Republic had three shots on target from 14 attempts. South Africa managed 17 attempts and had 4 shots on target. Czech Republic managed 15 touches in the opposition box. South Africa had 19 such touches. South Africa also clocked 61.90% ball possession.