Czechia vs. South Africa projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup 2026 Group A game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Czechia and South Africa meet on Thursday in Atlanta in a World Cup Group A game that neither side can realistically afford to lose.

Respective defeats to South Korea and co-hosts Mexico on matchday one has left these teams in need of points to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the knockout phase.

While they cannot be eliminated just yet, largely by virtue of the expanded tournament and the fact that more teams progress to the next phase, a loss here would be a massive blow to either team. How they set up to avoid such a scenario will be critical.

Here is how we expect the teams to line up.

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Czechia projected starting 11

(3-4-3, right to left): 1. M. Kovar (GK) — 6. S. Chaloupek, 4. R. Hranac, 7. L. Krejci — 5. V. Coufal, 22. T. Soucek, 24. A. Sojka, 20. J. Zeleny — 17. L. Provod, 10. P. Schick, 15. P. Sulc

• Injured: None 
• Suspended: None

We're not expecting wholesale changes to the Czechia lineup despite the disappointment of the defeat on the opening matchday.

Hoffenheim forward Adam Hlozek may come in to freshen the attack, perhaps in place of Lukas Provod, but it does seem as though head coach Miroslav Koubek will keep the lineup consistent.

South Africa projected starting 11

(5-3-2, right to left): 1. R. Williams (GK) — 20. K. Mudau, 21. I. Okon, 19. N. Sibisi, 14. M. Mbokazi, 6. A Modiba — 23. J. Adams, 5. T. Mbatha, 4. T. Mokoena — 9. L. Foster, 15. I Rayners

• Injured: None
• Suspended: Y. Sithole, T. Zwane

South Africa must contend without the suspended Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane after their red cards against Mexico. Thalente Mbatha is the likely candidate to slot into midfield in place of Sithole.

Avoiding defeat is vital to Bafana Bafana's chances of going through, so expect the back-five system to be retained. Orlando Pirates' Oswin Appollis may come in to offer more midfield creativity, if Hugo Broos decides to go for broke.

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Czechia vs. South Africa World Cup rosters

Here are the names on Czechia and South Africa's World Cup rosters. All caps and stats are correct as of the date of their announcement in May 2026.

Czechia World Cup roster

Head coach: Miroslav Koubek

South Africa World Cup squad

Head coach: Hugo Broos

Czechia vs. South Africa predictions, betting odds

Neither team can afford a defeat here if they want to keep their hopes of going through realistic. Expect an extremely cagey encounter in which Czechia's greater individual quality is likely to prove the difference.

• Score prediction: Czechia 1-0 South Africa

Where to watch Czechia vs. South Africa

In USA:

• TV channel: FS1
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: