South Africa keep World Cup dream alive with crucial Czechia draw
South Africa kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive on Thursday after battling back to secure a vital 1-1 draw against Czechia in Atlanta, with Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty preserving Bafana Bafana’s chance of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in history.
The result may not have been spectacular, but it could yet prove one of the most important in South African football history.
Hugo Broos’ side looked set for defeat after falling behind just six minutes into the Group A clash, when Michal Sadilek finished calmly after clever build-up play from the Czech attack.
It was another poor start for South Africa, who were also beaten in their tournament opener, and for long periods they struggled to create meaningful chances in the final third.
But Bafana Bafana showed resilience when it mattered most, and defied the 1.80 price that South African betting sites set on a Czechia victory.
With seven minutes remaining, Thapelo Maseko’s effort struck the arm of Pavel Sulc inside the area, and referee Tori Penso pointed to the spot. Mokoena stepped up under immense pressure and drilled his penalty home to score South Africa’s first World Cup goal in 16 years.
The late equaliser sparked wild celebrations among the South African supporters in Atlanta and, more importantly, kept their World Cup campaign alive.
South Africa now sit bottom of Group A on one point after two matches, level with Czechia but behind both Mexico and South Korea, who each have four points. Goal difference separates the bottom two, with Czechia currently ahead.
That leaves the equation simple for Bafana Bafana heading into the final round of group matches.
If South Africa are to pull off what would be one of the biggest achievements in the nation’s football history and qualify for the knockout stage for the first time, they will almost certainly need to beat South Korea in their final Group A match on Thursday, June 25.
Anything less than three points would likely end their campaign.
It is a massive challenge.
South Korea have looked one of the strongest sides in Group A, combining organisation, discipline and attacking quality, and they will head into the final match knowing a result could secure their passage to the last 32.
But South Africa have given themselves a chance — and that is all they could have asked for after two difficult opening matches.
Qualification from Group A always looked a daunting task, particularly with Mexico and South Korea both viewed as stronger and more experienced World Cup sides.
For South Africa, simply staying alive heading into the final group game is significant.
Now, everything comes down to one match.
Beat South Korea on June 25, and Bafana Bafana could complete a remarkable escape from Group A and make history. Fail to win, and their World Cup dream will almost certainly be over.
