Czech Republic and South Africa play their second 2026 World Cup fixtures when the pair clash at 5pm UK time on Thursday 18th June.
The Czechs suffered defeat in their opening Group A, throwing away a one-goal lead against South Korea, while South Africa were also comfortably beaten 2-0 by joint-hosts Mexico last Thursday.
Given the tournament’s expanded 48-team format, 32 teams will qualify for the knockout phase, meaning these two still have everything to play for.
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Czech Republic vs South Africa team news
Czech Republic team news
Their squad remains intact after the opening fixture. Their 23-year-old forward Adam Hlozek returned from a long-term injury to make the squad, and could be deployed behind first choice striker Patrick Schick to offer some more dynamism to their attack.
There will be great emphasis on Pavel Sulc to pull the strings in midfield like he does at Lyon. They’ll also lean heavily on European pedigree in the form of West Ham’s Tomas Soucek and the aforementioned Schick.
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South Africa team news
South Africa confirmed no injuries from their opening defeat to Mexico. They did, however, suffer two red cards at the Azteca. Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were given their marching orders, meaning both face a one-match suspension.
Those absences, coupled with a toothless performance on match day 1, may result in a few changes for Bafana Bafana. They lacked firepower against Mexico, and that could see manager Molefi Ntseki hand starts to wingers Aswin Oppollis and Relebohile Mofokeng in a bid to spruce up their attack.
Czech Republic vs South Africa predicted lineups
Czech Republic (4-2-3-1): Kovar; Coufal, Zima, Krejci, Jurasek; Soucek, Sadilek; Sulc, Hlozek, Provod; Schick.
South Africa (4-3-3): Williams; Mudau, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Modiba; Adams, Mokoena, Mbatha; Appollis, Foster, Mofokeng.
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