Czech Republic and South Africa face off in a vital clash in World Cup 2026 Group A this evening, with both sides desperate to register their first win of the tournament.
South Africa opened the tournament against Mexico last week in what was a disastrous performance, with Bafana Bafana falling to a 2-0 loss and losing both Yaya Sitole and Themba Zwane to red cards.
The Czech Republic fared better against South Korea, but still fell to a defeat after Oh Hyeon-gyu’s late goal.
And while neither side’s World Cup dream is over after just one game, a defeat this evening would put the losing team in a precarious position with just one match left, and a win could prove vital if either nation is to make the last 32.
Follow all the action from Atlanta below, with kick-off set for 5pm BST:
Ivory Coast star becomes second World Cup player denied entry to Canada
The big story of today.
A report in The Athletic detailed that Wahi, who started Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win against Ecuador on Sunday night, was subsequently arrested by French police on 29 May and was released after an interview.
Can Czech Republic turn their World Cup around?
Czech Republic will have taken far more positives out of their opener against South Korea, even though it ended in defeat.
They took the lead in that game through Ladislav Krejci, only to have the game turned on its head in the space of 13 minutes.
If they find themselves in a winning position today, they must keep hold of it – failure to do so and their World Cup will be all but over.
South Africa’s opening nightmare
In the cauldron of the Azteca, South Africa were welcomed back to the World Cup stage in a baptism of fire.
They were roundly dominated by hosts Mexico, with the scoreline of 2-0 flattering them in the end.
But it was the two red cards that really highlighted the South African capitulation, one of which was given to Yaya Sithole who put in perhaps one of the worst World Cup performances in modern memory.
A lot to forget going into tonight.
Tough times never last…
Things did not go to plan for either of today’s teams in round one of the group stage, both failing to get any points on the board.
One of these teams could be all but condemned to elimination tonight, while the other could see their campaign rejuvenation completely rejuvenated.
When is Czech Republic vs South Africa
Czech Republic’s clash with South Africa kicks off at 5pm BST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. An early one!
How can I watch it?
It will be broadcast live on BBC One with coverage starting at 4:30pm BST.
Czech Republic vs South Africa LIVE!
And while neither side’s World Cup dream is over after just one game, a defeat this evening would put the losing team in a precarious position with just one match left, and a win could prove vital if either nation is to make the last 32.
