Czechia vs South Africa: Late Penalty Saves South Africa for a 1-1 Draw
Updated 18 June 2026.
Czechia vs South Africa at World Cup 2026 finished 1-1, with Teboho Mokoena’s 83rd-minute penalty rescuing a point for South Africa after Michal Sadílek had put the Czechs ahead inside six minutes at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Billed as a near must-win for both Group A sides after losing their openers, the draw keeps each of them alive but leaves both staring at a final-round shootout to reach the knockout stage.
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Result | Czechia 1-1 South Africa |
| Competition | World Cup 2026, Group A |
| Venue | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (att. 67,442) |
| Czechia scorer | Sadílek 6′ |
| South Africa scorer | Mokoena 83′ (pen) |
| Bookings | Krejčí 75′ (CZE); Mokoena 33′, Mbatha 40′ (RSA) |
How South Africa salvaged a point
Czechia could not have asked for a better start. Michal Sadílek struck inside six minutes to settle the early nerves and hand Pavel Hapal’s side the lead in a match both teams knew they could not afford to lose. The opener should have been the platform for a first win, but Czechia spent long spells second best and never killed the game off.
South Africa grew into it and got their reward late. After a string of half-chances went begging, the pressure told on 83 minutes when Teboho Mokoena stepped up and converted from the spot to level it at 1-1. It was the captain’s moment, and it dragged Bafana Bafana off the bottom and back into the conversation in Group A.
What Czechia vs South Africa World Cup 2026 means for Group A
The draw helps neither side as much as a win would have. Mexico’s 1-0 victory over South Korea earlier in the day took the hosts to six points and all but through, while South Korea sit on three. Czechia and South Africa are level on one point apiece, both needing a result on the final matchday to have any chance of reaching the Round of 32. See where everyone stands on our Group A table and the full standings page.
What is next
Both teams head into a decisive final round of Group A fixtures, with kick-offs on our fixtures page and goals live on live scores. Revisit our pre-match preview, catch the rest of the day in our June 18 preview hub, and see the format, venues and full schedule in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Czechia vs South Africa?
Czechia and South Africa drew 1-1 in their World Cup 2026 Group A match on 18 June at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Who scored in Czechia vs South Africa?
Michal Sadílek put Czechia ahead in the sixth minute, and Teboho Mokoena equalised for South Africa from the penalty spot on 83 minutes.
Are Czechia and South Africa out of the World Cup?
No. Both sides are on one point and still alive in Group A, but each needs a result on the final matchday to have a chance of reaching the Round of 32.
Source: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A.
