World Cup 2026: South Africa grab 1-1 draw with Czechia with late penalty | World Cup 2026 News
South Africa Draws 1-1 with Czech Republic in World Cup Group A Match
ATLANTA — South Africa salvaged a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic late in their Group A match at the FIFA World Cup on Thursday, thanks to a penalty converted by Teboho Mokoena. The penalty, awarded for a handball by Czech player Pavel Sulc, came seven minutes from full-time, allowing South Africa to recover from an early deficit.
The Czech Republic opened the scoring in the sixth minute. Michal Sadilek found the net following a clever pass from Alexandr Sojka, set up by a delivery from Adam Hlozek on the right wing.
Both teams now sit on one point after suffering defeats in their opening fixtures. They trail co-hosts Mexico and South Korea, who were set to face off later that day.
South Africa’s next challenge will be against South Korea, while the Czech Republic is scheduled to play Mexico in the Estadio Azteca.
Both squads aimed to rebound from their disappointing performance on the tournament’s opening day. Patrik Schick, a key player for the Czech side, missed an early opportunity, sending a header wide just a minute into the match. Nevertheless, the Czechs quickly capitalized on their next chance.
Following Sadilek’s goal, the Czech Republic pressed to extend their lead but struggled to convert additional opportunities. Vladimir Darida took too long to shoot on one occasion, while Lukas Cerv’s long-range effort was expertly saved by South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The match took place at the futuristic home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, where several seats remained empty. Spectators who attended voiced their displeasure during hydration breaks in the enclosed, air-conditioned venue. Supporters largely backed South Africa, who finally found a breakthrough in the latter stages of the match when Thapelo Maseko’s shot struck Sulc’s arm.
Referee Tori Penso, part of an all-female officiating crew, awarded the penalty. Mokoena confidently slotted the ball home, marking South Africa’s first World Cup goal in 16 years. They nearly scored again shortly after, but Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar denied Relebohile Mofokeng’s attempt.
Post-match, South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos expressed pride in his team’s performance, noting the need to maintain their fighting spirit against South Korea. “If we play with the same mentality, it will be possible,” Broos said.
Czech coach Miroslav Koubek also praised his players, stating, “I can’t reproach the lads for anything; they gave it absolutely everything.”
With the draw, both teams remain in contention as the tournament progresses, hoping to secure a spot in the knockout stages.
