7M - Czechia 1-1 South Africa: Late Mokoena penalty secures draw

In their Group A encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Czechia and South Africa played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia on Thursday, June 18.

The European side broke the deadlock just six minutes into the match. Midfielder Michal Sadilek scored a regular goal, which was swiftly confirmed by a VAR check, giving Czechia an early 1-0 advantage. South Africa picked up two cautions later in the first half, with Teboho Mokoena and Thalente Mbatha receiving yellow cards in the 33rd and 40th minutes respectively.

Tactical adjustments followed in the second half as both managers utilized their benches. South Africa brought on Relebohile Mofokeng for Jayden Adams at halftime, and later introduced Evidence Makgopa. Czechia manager Miroslav Koubek made multiple alterations, introducing Pavel Sulc, Jaroslav Zeleny, Lukas Provod, Tomas Soucek, and David Zima. Amidst the intense second-half action, Czechia defender Ladislav Krejci was booked in the 75th minute.

South Africa found their equalizer in the 83rd minute when they were awarded a penalty kick. Teboho Mokoena stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, a decision that was validated by VAR. In the final minutes, South Africa made one last substitution, replacing Thapelo Maseko with Kamogelo Sebelebele, but neither side could alter the scoreline before the referee blew the final whistle, sealing a 1-1 tie.