Late spot-kick keeps Bafana Bafana alive at 2026 World Cup

South Africa kept their hopes of advancing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive after earning a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in a Group A match on Thursday at Atlanta Stadium.

Both teams were looking for their first points of the tournament after losing their opening matches.

The Czech Republic started strongly and took the lead in the sixth minute. Michal Sadílek scored from close range after receiving a pass from Adam Sojka.

South Africa had more possession for most of the game but found it difficult to break through the Czech defence, which remained well organised.

Their breakthrough came in the 83rd minute when the referee awarded a penalty after Pavel Šulc was judged to have handled the ball inside the box. The decision sparked debate, with some observers questioning whether it should have been given.

Teboho Mokoena converted the penalty, sending goalkeeper Matěj Kovář the wrong way to level the score at 1-1.

Both teams pushed for a winning goal in the closing stages. South Africa came close through Evidence Makgopa and Aubrey Modiba in stoppage time, but the Czech Republic held on to secure a draw.

The result leaves both South Africa and the Czech Republic with one point from two matches. They will likely need victories in their final group games to have a chance of reaching the Round of 32.

The draw gives South Africa renewed hope after a difficult start to the tournament, while the Czech Republic will feel disappointed after failing to hold on to their early lead.

Meanwhile, Mexico and South Korea, the other teams in Group A, were scheduled to play later on Thursday, with the result expected to influence the race for qualification.