Czechia and South Africa played to a 1-1 draw in their Group A match at the 2026 World Cup on Thursday in Atlanta. A late penalty gave South Africa their first point of the tournament.
Michal Sadilek scored the opening goal for Czechia in the first half after being played in following a throw-in. The lead lasted until the second half when South Africa were awarded a penalty after Thapelo Maseko's shot struck the arm of substitute Pavel Sulc.
Teboho Mokoena converted the spot kick to earn the draw. Both teams now have one point from two games in the group.
Czechia manager Miroslav Koubek said his side were closer to victory based on chances created. "We are sorry about the result, because I think that taking a look at the chances, we were nearer to victory," he told reporters.
South Africa next face South Korea while Czechia play Mexico at the Azteca.
