Czechia vs South Africa Prediction & Picks - World Cup
World - World Cup
New customers only | Commercial content | 21+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Bradley Gibbs | in World Cup Picks
Two teams that both tasted defeat during the first round of group games at the 2026 World Cup will clash in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday afternoon. It’s Czechia vs South Africa.
When Ladislav Krecji stormed onto a long throw and hammered home with his head, the Czechs must’ve thought they were on their way to a precious opening-day victory. After all, there was little more than 30 minutes to go, but it wasn’t to be for Miroslav Koubek’s men, who conceded twice after the hour mark, leaving them empty handed in Guadalajara.
South Africa’s first effort at this World Cup was nothing short of a horror show. An early mistake gifted their opponents the lead, and it was downhill from there on out, with Bafana Bafana getting not one but two players sent off in the process of losing 2-0.
Both teams will be looking to bounce back here, but based on what we saw on the opening day, this is Czechia’s to lose. Betting on ‘Czechia to Score Over 1.5 Goals’ appeals most.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Czechia vs South Africa Form
Table
| Teams | Pts | P | W | D | L | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3
|
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 |
|
4
|
0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -2 |
Czechia and South Africa Latest Matches
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 11, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 4, 2026 - International Friendlies
May 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - World Cup
Mar 26, 2026 - World Cup
Nov 17, 2025 - World Cup
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 4, 2026 - International Friendlies
May 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - World Cup
Mar 26, 2026 - World Cup
Nov 17, 2025 - World Cup
Nov 13, 2025 - International Friendlies
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 11, 2026 - World Cup
Oct 12, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 5, 2025 - World Cup
Jun 9, 2025 - World Cup
Mar 25, 2025 - World Cup
Nov 16, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
0/6 (0%)
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 11, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 6, 2026 - International Friendlies
May 29, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 27, 2026 - International Friendlies
Jan 4, 2026 - AFCON
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
May 29, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 31, 2026 - International Friendlies
Mar 27, 2026 - International Friendlies
Jan 4, 2026 - AFCON
Dec 22, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 16, 2025 - International Friendlies
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jun 11, 2026 - World Cup
Jun 6, 2026 - International Friendlies
Dec 29, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 26, 2025 - AFCON
Oct 10, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 5, 2025 - World Cup
Czechia - South Africa: Form Analysis
It was never going to be easy for Czechia in that first game against the South Koreans, especially playing in conditions that likely favored their opponents more, but they stuck to the task well, defended stoutly at times, rode their luck at others, while they produced some promising offensive moments, especially from set pieces. Ultimately, their opening-day efforts came to zero, but they showed enough to suggest that they can thrive against lesser opposition in Zapopan.
Ultimately, their opening-day efforts came to zero, but they showed enough to suggest that they can thrive against lesser opposition in Zapopan.
Unfortunately, Hugo Broos’ men did not perform in a way that indicated they’d be capable of getting a positive result in this game. In truth, the Bafana Bafana boys looked massively out of place in front of that Azteca crowd, and while they may be less intimidated by this occasion, they lack the quality to seriously compete against a team that is pretty good at grinding our results.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
South Africa v Czechia last Lineups
Formation : 3 - 4 - 3
Formation : 5 - 3 - 2
Substitutes
J. Stanek
L. Hornicek
DefenderT. Holes
D. Zima
D. Doudera
D. Jurasek
MidfielderH. Sochurek
V. Darida
M. Sadilek
L. Cerv
ForwardT. Chory
J. Kuchta
M. Chytil
D. Visinsky
A. Hlozek
R. Goss
S. Chaine
DefenderT. Matuludi
S. Kabini
K. Ndamane
O. Makhanya
B. Cross
MidfielderT. Zwane
T. Mbatha
ForwardR. Mofokeng
K. Sebelebele
O. Appollis
E. Makgopa
T. Maseko
T. Moremi
Missing players
T. Zwane
S. Sithole
Czechia & South Africa Squad Analysis
Will Miroslav Koubek switch it up for this one? Well, it’s possible, though his team didn’t perform terribly in the first game, so we probably shouldn’t expect several changes from the Czechia boss. Forward Adam Hlozek looked lively when coming on, and as the Europeans look to take a more front-footed approach, he seems a logical starter here. Michal Sadilek is another possible inclusion, as he too played well when entering the field as a substitute last time out.
Forward Adam Hlozek looked lively when coming on, and as the Europeans look to take a more front-footed approach, he seems a logical starter here.
The South Africans will be forced to make at least one change to the team that opened the tournament against Mexico. Midfield enforcer Yaya Sithole took his destructive role in the middle of the park a little too seriously, receiving a straight card and will now miss this game. Themba Zwane came on as a second-half sub against El Tri, but he too was sent off, leaving him unavailable for this fixture. Oswin Appollis was a surprise non-starter last time out but should be in the starting XI this time around.
Czechia - South Africa Key Points
- During the first round of group games, the South Africans conceded multiple goals.
- Prior to the tournament, the Czech's scored three goals against lower-ranked opposition.
- The Czech's scored two or more goals in each of their two warm-up games.
- The South Africans have typically conceded multiple goals whenever they've come up against opposition of Czechia's standing in recent years.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Our Czechia vs South Africa Prediction
If Czechia can get on the front foot and get the ball into wide areas, then they've got more than enough quality to seriously hurt a South African team that looked way below the required level on opening night. Bafana Bafana lacks defensive strength, while they also lack height at the back, which will be a problem against a tall and aerially dominant Czechia team that can be a huge threat from crosses and set pieces. Taking such routes should lead to Koubek's men scoring some goals in Atlanta.
Our Czechia vs South Africa Pick: Czechia to Score Over 1.5 Goals.
Czechia vs South Africa - Other Interesting Picks
Czechia to Win
DraftKings - World Cup: Early Win Up 1
With the 2026 World Cup so close to starting, DraftKings is currently offering all its customers an exclusive promo.
This promotion can simply be claimed by opting in through the DraftKings promotional page. After opting in, your account will be credited with one Early Win token. This token will only apply to the game between the USA and Paraguay on Friday, June 12th.
Simply make a moneyline bet on either the USA or Paraguay, and if the team you bet on goes up by one goal at any time, your bet will automatically be graded as a winner.
Keep in mind that you must apply the Early Win token to your betslip before placing your bet. Further, this promo will expire on June 12th at 9 PM ET at the start of the USA vs Paraguay match, so be sure to take advantage before it is too late!
Czechia vs South Africa match : Frequently asked questions
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
