Czechia will face more power and less speed when they pursue their first points of the World Cup 2026 against South Africa in Atlanta on Thursday, believes defender Jaroslav Zeleny.Ladislav Krejci gave Miroslav Koubeks side a second-half lead they could not preserve in their 2-1 defeat to South Korea in Zapopan on matchday one.The game will be a little more physical, predicted Sparta Prahas Zeleny. Even when the sun isnt shining here, its still terribly stuffy, so training is very demanding.If it were like it was in Mexico everywhere, it would be pleasant. But unfortunately its not like that here, so we have to get used to it because theres nothing we can do about it.Bafana Bafana had a forgettable evening in the first game of the tournament, losing 2-0 to Mexico with nine players.It was a good wake-up call for us, head coach Hugo Broos told FIFA. We know what we did wrong and what we have to do.People are talking about tactics but it is nothing to do with tactics. It was experience we missed in that game.This was the first time for all the players that they were playing in such an environment, in such a stadium and for such a crowd.I have a group of guys who learn very quickly and we will see a totally different team against Czechia.Table of ContentsWorld Cup 2026: Czechia v South Africa team newsCzechia v South Africa World Cup 2026 predicted line-upsWhere to watch Czechia v South Africa: TV channel, live online streamsWorld Cup 2026: Czechia v South Africa statsWorld Cup 2026: Czechia v South Africa predictionWhat To Do If You Have A Gambling ProblemWorld Cup 2026: Czechia v South Africa team newsSouth Africa are without midfielders Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane, who were shown straight red cards against Mexico.Czechia v South Africa World Cup 2026 predicted line-upsCzechia starting XI: Matej Kovar, Ladislav Krejci, Robin Hranac, Stepan Chaloupek, Jaroslav Zeleny, Alexandr Sojka, Tomas Soucek, Vladimir Coufal, Pavel Sulc, Lukas Provod, Patrik SchickSouth Africa starting XI: Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Mvelase Mbokazi, Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena, Lyle Foster, Iqraam RaynersWhere to watch Czechia v South Africa: TV channel, live online streamsCzechia v South Africa kicks off at 17:00 BST (12:00 ET / 09:00 PT) on Thursday. In the UK, live coverage is on BBC One.Streaming on a vast range of devices is available through the BBC iPlayer app andBBC Sportwebsite.World Cup 2026: Czechia v South Africa statsCzechia are at the World Cup for the 10th time, including eight participations as Czechoslovakia in the previous century, losing the final in 1934 and 1962This is their second participation this century, after being eliminated in the 2006 group stageThey have been eliminated in five of their seven World Cup group stages, only progressing in 1962 and 1990Eleven of Czechias 22 goals in the qualifiers came from set plays, including a European-high seven from cornersKoubek started as Czechia head coach in December 2025, after they finished second in their qualifying group behind Croatia; both of their play-off ties against Republic of Ireland and Denmark ended 2-2 after 120 minutes, winning both on penaltiesSouth Africa are making their fourth World Cup appearance and their first away from home soil since 2002They are yet to progress beyond the first round at the tournament and none of their previous 10 matches at the World Cup have ended goalless, with their two wins coming against Slovenia in 2002 and France in 2010Oswin Apollis was directly involved in twice as many goals as any other South African player during the qualifiers, contributing two goals and four assistsThis is Broos first experience as head coach at the World Cup. The Belgian is the fourth individual to lead Bafana Bafana at the tournament, after Frenchman Phillipe Troussier (1998), South African Jomo Sono (2002) and Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira (2010)As a head coach, Broos won the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon in 2017 and finished third with South Africa in 2023, before being knocked out in the last 16 in the 2025 edition.World Cup 2026: Czechia v South Africa predictionCzechia 2-1 South Africa: Despite only really threatening from set pieces against South Korea, Czechia can justify their status as considerable favourites here if South Africa are as below-par as they were against Mexico. Broos words may appeal to backers of the long-priced draw.What To Do If You Have A Gambling ProblemWe understand that gambling can be fun, but it is always important to gamble responsibly. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please do not hesitate to ask for help. There are people who can help you get on the road to recovery. Below, we have listed some helpful resources to help aid you on the road to recovery.National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133GamCare: https://www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware: www.gambleaware.com Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Czech Republic National Football Team FIFA World Cup South Africa national football team World Cup World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Cristiano Ronaldo: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, kick off times, where to watch, confirmed news updates and full Portugal squad Ben Miller 17th June, 2026 Emotional Lionel Messi talks Ronaldo and Mbappe: Im enjoying this Ben Miller 17th June, 2026 Kylian Mbappe: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, kick off times, where to watch, confirmed news updates and full France squad Ben Miller 17th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Full fixtures, dates, games, schedule and results from FIFA football finals Ben Miller 17th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Full list of confirmed teams, fixtures, groups and results Ben Miller 17th June, 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026: Full England fixtures, results, schedule, confirmed squad, next match, kick off times Ben Miller 17th June, 2026
