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Czech Republic vs South Africa Tips & Predictions – Czechs to Bounce Back at the World Cup 2026

vedran-ostojic
Vedran Ostojic
Editor
Last updated: Sun 14 Jun 2026 20:42
Following back-to-back wins over Kosovo and Guatemala, the Czech Republic is well-placed to make a strong comeback after an initial tournament defeat. The article recommends anticipating a Czech victory against South Africa, underpinned by recent form and momentum. Additionally, Patrick Schick emerges as a key player to watch, having scored six goals in his last six appearances. Betting on Schick to score at any time could be a valuable wager, given his prominent attacking role and scoring streak.
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  • Czech Republic were in great form in early June
  • We are backing them to recover from opening loss
  • Check our full preview for Czech Republic vs South Africa below
Patrick Schick has scored 6 goals in his last 6 games for club and country (Getty Images)

South Africa had the lowest xG of all teams in the first round and have two players suspended. I am backing Czech Republic to claim three points and stay in the playoffs race. 

Key Stats  


  • Czech Republic have won 2 of their last 3 matches. 
  • Patrick Schick has scored 6 goals in his last 6 games for club and country. 
  • South Africa have lost 3 of their last 6 matches. 

This Will be Their Second Head-to-Head 


These two teams locked horns just once so far in the Confederations Cup 1997, the game ended in a 2-2 draw. 

Czech Republic in Trouble 


Czech Republic are in a difficult spot after losing their World Cup 2026 opening match to South Korea 2-1 last week in Zapopan. 

They were the ones to break the deadlock here, Ladislav Krejci scoring a header on Vladimir Coufal’s assist but then the opposition took over and scored two unanswered goals, limiting Czechs to just 39% possession. 

In their pre-tournament friendlies, Miroslav Koubenk’s side claimed back to back victories against Kosovo 2-1 and Guatemala 3-1 but struggled defensively in these clashes too allowing a total of 8 shots on target. 

South Africa Looked Clueless in the Opener 


South Africa were also beaten in the WC 2026 opening round by one of the co-hosts Mexico 2-0. Their offensive performance was disastrous here, failing to create a single goal opportunity, ending the clash with just 0.08 expected goals. 

The African side conceded just nine minutes in, while their Yaya Sithole was sent off in the 49th and Themba Zwane in the 84th minute because of rough tackles. 

Their recent form hasn’t been great, failing to secure a single victory in four international friendly matches this year.   

South Africa were tagged favorites both against Nicaragua and Jamaica in their test games earlier this month, but both ended in draws 0-0 and 1-1 respectively.  

Team News & Predicted Lineups 


Czech Republic (3-4-2-1) Matej Kovar; Stepan Chaloupek, Robin Hranac, Ladislav Krejci; Vladimir Coufal, Tomas Soucek, Alexandr Sojka, Jaroslav Zeleny; Pavel Sulc, Lukas Provod; Patrik Schick

Jan Kuchta suffered a knock and he is currently listed as doubtful for this clash. Patrik Schick is the leading scorer with 26 goals in 54 matches.

South Africa (5-3-2) Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Nkosinathi Sibisi; Jayden Adams, Thalente Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena; Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners

Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane are suspended after being sent off in South Africa's opener against Mexico. Burnley's Lyle Foster is expected to lead South Africa once again. He is currently at 27 appearnaces and 10 goals for the national team. 

Verdict

Czech Republic claimed back to back victories against Kosovo and Guatemala just before the tournament, so I expect them to recover after the initial loss and beat South Africa.

Another bet worth considering is Patrick Schick to score anytime. He is expected to lead the attack and scored six goals in last six games for Leverkusen and the Czech Republic. 

Best Bet1: Czech Republic Win Full-Time Result @3/4 at Hollywood bets - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Patrick Schick Anytime Goalscorer @7/5 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Patrick Schick First Goalscorer @9/2 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
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