Czechia fought hard in their opening group game against South Korea but were eventually beaten 2-1, while South Africa didn't offer much as they were beaten 2-0 by co-hosts Mexico and ended the game with nine men.
Czechia performed well during the qualifiers, defeating the Republic of Ireland and Denmark in the play-offs to make it through. Czechia have won nine of its last 13 matches since qualifying began back in March 2025, but both teams have scored in each of their last five fixtures.
South Africa actually only managed to win five of their 10 qualifying fixtures and failed to win any of their three pre-tournament warm-up games against Panama (twice) and Nicaragua. Bofana Bofana will be without the services of Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane for the Czechia match, after both were shown straight red cards during the defeat to Mexico.
Each of South Africa's four defeats since qualifying began has seen Bofana Bofana concede two or more goals, while each of Czechia's nine victories have seen the European side score at least two goals.
Patrik Schick finished the qualifiers as Czechia's top goalscorer with five goals, and the 30-year-old Bayer Leverkusen frontman has scored 26 times in 54 caps for his country, including five goals at major international tournaments.
Czechia 2-1 South Africa
