The second round of the 2026 World Cup opened Thursday in Atlanta with a 1-1 draw between South Africa and the Czech Republic, a result that gives both teams their first point but leaves them in third and fourth place in the group. Neither side was satisfied, especially the Czechs, who squandered a possible second straight win after losing to South Korea in their opener.
Czech coach Miroslav Koubek made five changes to his lineup and benched his two stars, Tomas Soucek and Pavel Sulc. The Czechs started strongly and took the lead in the sixth minute through Michal Sadilek, who finished with a low left-footed shot past Ronwen Williams. After that, however, they dropped deep instead of pushing for a second goal, and South Africa steadily fought back.
The equalizer came in the 83rd minute when Sulc, who had come on as a substitute, handled the ball inside the box. Veteran Teboho Mokoena converted the penalty, scoring Bafana Bafana’s first World Cup goal since 2010. The draw prevents South Africa from being eliminated on the night, depending on the later result between Mexico and South Korea.
South Africa will finish the group stage against South Korea in Monterrey next week, without Mokoena, who is suspended after receiving a second yellow card. The Czechs will face Mexico. Both teams now need a win to advance, or they are likely to be eliminated.
