World Cup Matchday | Mbokazi and Waterman Seek First Wins for South Africa and Canada in FIFA World Cup 2026

Where to Watch:

Chicago Fire Soccer Celebration, presented by McDonald's

Recess

838 W Kinzie St,

Chicago, IL 60642

Czechia vs. South Africa

Group A | Match 25

Thursday, June 18, 2026

11:00 a.m. CT

Atlanta Stadium – Atlanta

How to Watch:

English: FOX – Ian Crocker & Danny Higginbotham

Español: Telemundo/Peacock – Jose Hernandez & Darío Daicz

How to Listen:

English: Fox Sports on SiriusXM (ch. 83) | iHeartRadio App

Spanish: Latino Mix 93.5 FM  | FDP Radio App

Match Preview

Following a 2-0 loss to hosts Mexico in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match last Thursday, the Bafana Bafana are back in action against Czechia.

In front of 80,824 at the iconic Mexico City Stadium, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and South Africa faced Mexico for the second time in an opening match of a World Cup. Unlike the first meeting between the sides in the opening of the 2010 edition, it was Mexico that took the lead in the ninth minute. The hosts held onto most of possession and scoring chances, doubling the lead in the 67th minute. Despite the result, Mbokazi held his own, lauded for his defensive play while recording one of only two shots on target for his side.

Czechia had a better start to their opening match against South Korea, taking the lead thanks to captain Ladislav Krejcí. The goal broke a tense opening hour of the match, eliciting a response from the Asian giants that resulted in a Hwang In-Beom equalizer eight minutes later. The Koreans pushed and completed their comeback with 10 minutes left, as substitute Oh Hyeon-Gu sent his side home with a 2-1 win and three points ahead of a key match against Group A leaders Mexico.

Match Notes

The match marks only the second meeting between South Africa and Czechia in an official competition. The nations first met in the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup, which pitted the winners of each continent's cup competition. In that match, South Africa earned its only point of the competition with a 2-2 draw against the Czechs.

South Africa will look for their third win in FIFA World Cup history. In three previous editions of the tournament, the Bafana Bafana have earned two victories – both against European nations. The first win came in 2002 against Slovenia; the second against France in 2010 at home in Bloemfontein.

Czechia vs. South Africa All-Time:

CZE: 0 wins, 2 goals

RSA: 0 wins, 2 goals

1 drawStarting Lineups

Defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi starts against Czechia in Atlanta!Canada vs. Qatar

Group B | Match 27

Thursday, June 18, 2026

5:00 p.m. CT

BC Place – Vancouver

How to Watch:

English: FOX – Tyler Terens & Maurice Edu

Español: Telemundo/Peacock – Andrés Cantor, Omar Zerón & Carlos Pavón

How to Listen:

English: Fox Sports on SiriusXM (ch. 83) | iHeartRadio App

Spanish: Latino Mix 93.5 FM  | FDP Radio App

Match Preview

A raucous crowd in Vancouver will welcome their home side as Canada hosts Qatar in their second match of FIFA World Cup 2026.

Canada opened their participation as hosts of the world's greatest sporting event against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday afternoon. In front of a red-clad crowd, it was the blue side that drew first blood. Jovo Lukic struck just 21 minutes in to quiet the home crowd for the first time in the match. But the Canadian resilience pulled through at the end, with former Orlando City SC forward Cyle Larin tallying his country's first World Cup goal on home soil to earn a point.

Qatar had a challenging opponent in the opening match, facing Switzerland in San Francisco Bay. The Swiss opened with the larger share of chances and possession that turned into a penalty goal sent home by Breer Embolo. But the FIFA World Cup 2022 hosts hung on for 90 minutes, stunning the world by forcing an own goal four minute into stoppage time. Against all odds, the Asian nation got its first point in World Cup history while the Swiss stared in disbelief.

Canada vs. Qatar All-Time:

CAN: 1 wins, 2 goals

QAT: 0 wins, 0 goals

0 drawsStarting Lineups

Lineups will be announced approximately one hour before first kick in Vancouver.

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