
World Cup
4:00 p.mJune 18, 2026
Group stage – 2
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Referee: Tori Penso, USA


Czech


south africa
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.02
Expected Goals (xG)
1.37
-0.42
Prevented goals
-0.42
Passing by
270 (80%)
Accurate passes
508 (90%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Matej Kovar
6.6
d
Ladislav Krejci (C)
4
d
Robin Hranac
6.7
3
d
Tomáš Holeš
6.3
m
Alexander Sojka
m
Michal Sadílek
6′
12
m
luke the worm
7.0
8
m
Vladimir Darida
6.9
5
m
Vladimir Koufal
7.0
9
F
Adam Hlozek
6.2
10
F
Patrik Schick
6.5
1
G
Ronwen Williams (C)
6.3
6
d
Aubrey Modiba
7.3
14
d
Mbekezeli Mbokazi
6.9
21
d
Okon’s name
7.0
20
d
Nourish Mudau
6.6
23
m
Jayden Adams
6.3
m
Teboho Mokoena
83′
m
Talent Mbatha
7
F
Oswin Apollos
7.0
15
F
Iqraam Rayners
6.2
12
F
Maseko prayer
6.9
Substitutes
9
F
Lyle Foster
8
F
Trust the farmer
26
d
Bradley Cross
24
d
Our Makhanya
19
d
Mr Sibisi
18
d
Double welcome
3
d
Speak Ndamane
2
d
Tholo Thabang Matuludi
22
G
Ricardo Goss
16
G
Sipho Chain
m
Kamogelo Sebelebele
F
Test shells
F
Ignore Mofokeng
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Czech Republic and South Africa shared the spoils in a competitive World Cup clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with a Teboho Mokoena penalty canceling out Michal Sadílek’s early opener.
Both nations came into this group stage with the intention of making their mark on the tournament. Both teams needed a strong performance to boost their World Cup campaigns.
The Czech Republic got off to the perfect start when Michal Sadílek struck in the sixth minute. The Czech midfielder showed composure to find the back of the net early on, giving the home side a lead they hoped to build on.
South Africa responded with intensity in the first half. The away side controlled possession with 62 percent of the ball, but struggled to convert their chances into goals. Teboho Mokoena was shown a yellow card in the 33rd minute as tension rose on the pitch.
Tempers continued to rise when Themba Mbatha was booked in the 40th minute. Despite their dominance in possession, South Africa trailed at the interval and needed adjustments in the second half.
In the second half, South Africa pressed harder for an equaliser. His persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when Mokoena converted from the penalty spot to tie the game at 1-1.
Ladislav Krejčí received a yellow card in the 75th minute as the Czech Republic tried to defend their lead. The match became increasingly tense as both teams searched for a winner in the closing stages.
South Africa created more chances overall, registering a total of 17 shots compared to the Czech Republic’s 14. However, the Czech goalkeeper made three crucial saves to keep his team in contention.
The statistics revealed a tale of two halves. South Africa dominated possession and created an expected goals total of 1.37, while the Czech Republic achieved 1.02 xG. Both teams completed 80% or more passing accuracy, showing the technical quality of both sides.
Mokoena emerged as the top performer with a score of 8.0. The South African midfielder created five key passes and finished with a goal from his penalty conversion.
The draw leaves both teams with work to do in their remaining group stage matches. Each side will see this result differently, with the Czech Republic disappointed to lose the lead, while South Africa will be buoyed by their comeback.

