2026 World Cup: South Africa Draws with the Czech Republic on a Penalty Kick

The Czech Republic and South Africa drew 1-1 in their Group A match on the second day of the 2026 World Cup in North America. Sadilek’s opening goal was answered in the second half by Mokoena on a penalty kick: both teams remain in contention for qualification after this draw, which leaves them with one point each in the standings behind Mexico and South Korea.

An entertaining first half with both teams playing an open game: the Czechs took an early lead in the 6th minute, catching the Bafana Bafana off guard on a counterattack following a defensive blunder. In a three-on-one situation, Sojka found Sadilek in the box, who made no mistake and put his team ahead. South Africa tried to respond but lacked precision and rarely managed to create any real danger near Kovar’s goal. Just before halftime, the Czech goalkeeper made life difficult for himself with a disastrous rush off his line, which was somehow salvaged by his defense.

Early in the second half, the Czech Republic came close to doubling their lead through Darida and Cerv, but to no avail. Sadilek came close to scoring his second goal in the 58th minute but was blocked by the South African defense. Not even substitutions could revive a South African team lacking ideas, while the Czech Republic controlled the match.

The Czechs’ victory seemed all but assured, but in the 83rd minute, South Africa scored a surprise equalizer: referee Tori Penso called a penalty for a handball by Sulc in the European side’s penalty area, confirmed by VAR. From the penalty spot, Mokoena made it 1-1. The Czech Republic faltered and risked a collapse: in the 88th minute, Kovar saved the day with a stop on Mokofeng’s shot. That was the end of the match; South Africa held on, and the fate of both teams will be decided on the final matchday.