Czech Republic vs South Africa predictions: Czechs to punish Bafana Bafana

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Czech Republic boss Miroslav Koubek is preparing his team to face Mexico

Czech Republic lost 2-1 to South Korea in their opening match
South Africa have won just two of their 10 World Cup matches
Recommended bet: Czech Republic to win @ 4/6

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The Czech Republic will be aiming to secure their first World Cup victory since 2006 when they face South Africa in Atalanta on Thursday.

The pressure will be on to seal three points after losing to South Korea in the opener in Group A.

South Africa were toothless throughout the 2-0 loss to Mexico at the Azteca in the opening game of the World Cup, registering just three shots in the entire match.

Another defeat against the Europeans could well push them towards a fourth World Cup group stage exit in as many tournaments.

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Czech Republic vs South Africa Team news

Czech Republic manager Miroslav Koubek has no fresh injury concerns and his main worry will be to either go with the same starting XI that lost to South Korea, or switch things up and go for a different approach.

Hugo Broos, however, will have to make at least two changes as both Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane received red cards during the opener against Mexico.

Relebohile Mofokeng will likely come in as a replacement for Zwane, while Broos can introduce Thalante Mbatha as a direct swap for Sithole for the clash against the Czechs,

Czech Republic vs South Africa stats

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between these two nations.

South Africa have played European opponents on five different occasions at the World Cup, winning two of those matches against Slovenia in 2002 and France eight years later.

Czech Republic lost to Ghana in 2006 in what was their only previous World Cup match against African opposition.

Patrik Schick was the top scorer for the Czechs in qualifying, scoring five goals.

South Africa have lost three and drawn three of their six matches in 2026 so far.

Prior to their defeat against South Korea, Czech Republic’s previous loss came in October 2025, winning four and drawing two of their subsequent six matches. Two of those were won on penalty shootouts against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark in the World Cup playoffs.

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Czech Republic vs South Africa Prediction

If Koubek aims to lead his Czech side into the knockout stages, a win over Bafana Bafana is a must, especially with Mexico lurking in their final match.

Three points here and a draw or win against the co-hosts will see the European side move into the last 32. That could well be beyond South Africa if they fail to secure all three points on Thursday.

Broos’ side looked dismal in large spells during their opening match and a change of approach is certainly needed.

Even if South Africa do go all-out attack, the Czechs should have more than enough to secure three points and they could punish Bafana Bafana at set pieces.