South Africa vs Czech Republic Tips, Odds & Prediction: World Cup 2026

* Odds supplied by Betway, accurate when this preview was written.

South Africa face Czech Republic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in their second World Cup match, kicking off at 18:00 CAT on Thursday, June 18. Both teams were beaten in their first Group A game, which makes this a must win match in all but name, with South Africa down two players to suspension after red cards in the opener and Czech Republic wanting to recover from a narrow loss. Our full collection of World Cup betting tips is in our dedicated section.

South Africa 

South Africa come in under heavy pressure after defeat in their first game, and they have a big problem to fix here. Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane are both banned after being sent off in the opener, which takes depth away from a squad that was already thin. Hugo Broos is likely to focus on keeping Czech Republic quiet and then counter through the speed of Mofokeng and Appollis. I think they do not have the attacking bite to worry a more experienced team, and another tight game looks on the cards.

Expected Lineup: Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mbatha, Mokoena; Appollis, Mofokeng, Moremi; Foster.

Czech Republic

Czech Republic lost their first match, but I felt they were good for long periods before tailing off at the end. Skipper Ladislav Krejci is still the driving force of the side, while Patrik Schick is a real target man in attack whose movement should drag the South Africa defence out of shape. They got through the opening game with no new injuries or suspensions, so Miroslav Koubek can pick his strongest team. As I see it, they have the quality and the hunger to take charge here and earn the win they need.

Expected Lineup: Kovar; Chaloupek, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Soucek, Sadilek, Jurasek; Sulc, Provod; Schick.

Czech Republic have more quality and a more settled group, and with South Africa missing two starters through suspension I think they will take control. I am backing a comfortable Czech victory in a match with few goals. My forecast: South Africa 0 Czech Republic 2.

Under 2.5 Goals (1.77)

South Africa did not score in their first game and are now without two of their better players through suspension, so goals may be scarce for them. Czech Republic will be patient and composed, and I think one goal, or two at the most, will decide this. For me Under 2.5 Goals at 1.77 is the best value on offer.