Group A pressure builds: Czechia vs South Africa in must-win clash, Mexico meet Korea

KATHMANDU: The Czech Republic and South Africa, both coming off opening-match defeats in Group A, are set to face each other in a high-stakes encounter on Thursday night at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The match kicks off at 9:45 PM Nepal time.

South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, suffered a 2–0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in their opener.

Hours later, South Korea staged a comeback to beat the Czech Republic 2–1, adding early pressure on both sides in the group standings.

The Czech Republic earned their place in the tournament after a dramatic UEFA playoff win over Denmark on penalties, marking their return to the World Cup after 20 years.

Since their exit from the 2006 World Cup in Germany, this is only their second appearance on football’s biggest stage as an independent nation.

Under head coach Miroslav Koubek, the Czech side is aiming to reach the knockout stage. They began their campaign positively when captain Ladislav Krejčí gave them a 59th-minute lead against South Korea, but defensive lapses eventually cost them the match.

A Thomas Soucek goal was also ruled out for offside, adding to their frustration. The defeat ended their seven-match unbeaten run, during which they had recorded four wins and two penalty shootout victories.

However, they have now failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches.

For South Africa, this is their fourth World Cup appearance and their first since hosting the tournament in 2010. Their return began in familiar fashion, having also drawn their 2010 opener against Mexico 1–1. This time, however, their campaign started poorly in a match overshadowed by disciplinary issues.

South Africa finished the game against Mexico with three red cards. Sfefelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off during the match, while Mexican defender César Montes also saw red in stoppage time.

The result extended South Africa’s winless run to five matches, with the team conceding at least two goals in each of their defeats.

Head coach Hugo Broos now faces growing pressure to end that drought rather than focus solely on tactical adjustments.

Despite recent struggles, South Africa will take confidence from their 2–1 friendly win over France in 2020, their last notable result against a European side.

Historically, the two teams have met only once before on the international stage, drawing 2–2 in the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup.

A positive result is vital for both sides. A win for the Czech Republic would keep their hopes of progressing alive, while South Africa will be desperate to end their losing streak and revive their qualification chances.

In another Group A fixture, Mexico will face South Korea on Friday morning at 6:45 AM Nepal time, with both teams aiming to strengthen their push toward the knockout stage.