Pre-match information
The Czech Republic closed its 20-year absence from the World Cup with a ticket won after a penalty shootout victory over Denmark in the UEFA regional play-offs.
Coach Miroslav Koubek's team entered the 2026 World Cup with the expectation of passing the group stage and had a promising start in the opening match against South Korea. Ladislav Krejci put the Czech Republic ahead in the 59th minute with a header from a long throw-in by Vladimir Coufal.
However, that advantage did not last long. Hwang In-beom quickly equalized for South Korea before the game gradually got out of control of the European representative. Tomas Soucek once put the ball into the net but the goal was disallowed, before Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the decisive goal in the 80th minute to help South Korea win.
This defeat also ended the Czech Republic's 6-match unbeaten streak, including four wins in official time and two times overcoming the opponent on penalties. Besides, the defense continues to be a concern as they have not kept a clean sheet in the last 5 matches.
However, the opportunity to advance is still wide open if the Czech Republic wins all 3 points in the second match. A victory not only helps them nurture hopes of competing for the top two positions but also creates an advantage in the race to win tickets for third-placed teams with the best results.
Meanwhile, South Africa is participating in the World Cup for the fourth time in history and the first time since the tournament they hosted in 2010. However, their opening match took place according to an unwanted scenario when they lost to Mexico.
The African representative soon fell into a disadvantage after Sphephelo Sithole's mistake led to Julian Quinones' opening goal. Things became even more difficult when Sithole received a red card at the beginning of the second half, before Raul Jimenez doubled the score for Mexico with a header in the 67th minute.
South Africa also finished the match with only 9 players when Themba Zwane was sent off in the final minutes.
The suspensions make Hugo Broos headache before the confrontation with the Czech Republic. Besides, South Africa is also going through a series of 6 consecutive matches without knowing victory, including three defeats and all conceding 2 or more goals.
