Czechia 1–1 South Africa · Mokoena's emotional penalty in Atlanta — World Cup 2026
South Africa returned to the World Cup scoresheet after a sixteen-year wait. Czechia led from the 6th minute, but Mokoena held his nerve from the spot to rescue Bafana Bafana.
Match story
Czechia started sharply: Patrik Schick missed an early header before Michal Sadilek finished Sojka's clever layoff in the 6th minute. South Africa struggled for rhythm for most of the match, but Maseko's shot struck Sulc's arm and referee Tori Penso awarded a penalty. Mokoena converted in the 83rd minute.
Possession: Czechia 38% — South Africa 62%
xG: Czechia 1.02 — South Africa 1.38
Shots: Czechia 14 — South Africa 17
Shots on target: 3–4 · Big chances: 3–7 · xGOT: 0.94–1.12
Before kick-off, cameras caught Mokoena in tears during the anthem, thinking of his late grandfather. Eighty-three minutes later, he scored South Africa's first World Cup goal since 2010.
What it means
Mexico are already through with six points, while South Korea sit on three. Czechia and South Africa have one point each and need something special on the final matchday.
| Mexico ✓ | +3 | 6 pts |
| South Korea | 0 | 3 pts |
| Czechia | -1 | 1 pt |
| South Africa | -2 | 1 pt |
Czechia will see two points dropped. South Africa will remember a point, a long-awaited goal and Mokoena's night of emotion.
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