Czech Republic vs South Africa: prediction & betting odds 18 June 2026

Form and Line-up Czech Republic

The Czech Republic started the tournament with a defeat against South Korea (1:2), and even that result can still be considered fortunate. The team failed to compete for possession (39%), which meant we did not really see any positional attacks from them. It is therefore no surprise that the only goal was scored by defender Ladislav Krejci after a throw-in.

Still, it should be noted that the Czechs understand their advantage in physical size perfectly well and are not afraid to play in a primitive manner. In fairness, crosses also brought a second goal, but Soucek had strayed narrowly offside beforehand. It is notable that Coufal provided the assist on both occasions, with his right foot capable of unsettling any defence.

Key numbers for Czech Republic:

• In four of their five matches in 2026, the Czech Republic scored at least twice.

• They have won six of their last seven matches.

• The squad includes as many as 10 players from Slavia Prague.

Probable Czech Republic line-up

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

Form and Line-up South Africa

South Africa faced Mexico in the opening match of the World Cup and did not exactly make the best impression. Truth be told, it was a real disaster: 0.08 xG and only three shots on goal. However, that was only half the problem. The team gifted the first goal themselves after losing the ball right in front of their own penalty area.

A complete lack of ideas on the pitch was bound to affect the players' emotional state. As a result, first a last-man foul left the team with 10 men, and then a completely unnecessary swing of the arm sent another player to the dressing room. The outcome is the loss of two key midfielders - Sithole and Zwane - as well as potentially the status of the tournament's biggest disappointment.

Key numbers for South Africa:

• They have not won any of their six matches in 2026.

• They conceded in five of their last six matches.

• They have never advanced from the World Cup group stage.

Probable South Africa line-up

(4-5-1): Ronwen Williams - Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Ime Okon, Bradley Cross - Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi - Lyle Foster.

Absentees: Sphephelo Sithole, Themba Zwane (all suspended).

Who will referee the match 

Tori Penso (United States) 

Matches – 5 (International matches, 2025 - 2026);

Average fouls per match – 23;

Average yellow/red cards per match (including second yellows) – 3,8;

Matches with a straight red card – 0 out of 5;

Matches with a penalty – 0 out of 5.