Czech Republic vs South Africa Predicted Lineups & Team News

The Czech Republic and South Africa meet in Atlanta on Thursday evening (12pm local, 5pm BST, BBC One) as the two nations look for their first win of the World Cup after losing their opening matches.

Here's the Czech Republic vs South Africa predicted lineups and team news ahead of this Group A encounter...

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic came out of the 2-1 defeat by South Korea without any fresh injury concerns and so manager Miroslav Koubek could stick with the same side.

Despite leaving the game with no points having taken the lead, the Czechs put in a positive showing with Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci scoring his third international goal since the end of March.

Tomas Soucek also found the back of the net but saw his header ruled out for offside. The midfielder will keep his place as The Representatives aim to take advantage of set-piece play.

Patrik Schick will lead the line and also aim to get on the end of free-kicks and corners. The forward has 26 goals and needs one more to become the joint-third top scorer in Czech history and tie with former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer.

South Africa

South Africa endured a nightmare start to their World Cup campaign when coming up against co-hosts Mexico in the tournament curtain-raiser.

Not only did Bafana Bafana lose 2-0, but midfielder Yaya Sithole and substitute Themba Zwane were both sent off and therefore suspended for Thursday's match.

This will require coach Hugo Broos to reshuffle the pack and reconsider his approach when deciding who comes into the centre of the park.

Thalente Mbatha is expected to deputise while Lyle Foster should keep his place in attack as South Africa look to score their first goal of the tournament.

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Czech Republic vs South Africa Odds over on betfred.com

Czech Republic vs South Africa Key Players

Tomas Soucek (Czech Republic)

While Schick is the man spearheading the Czech attack, it’s Soucek’s presence in both boxes which could prove key for Koubek’s men.

The midfielder is a constant threat in the opposition area, as he has proved for six seasons in the Premier League with West Ham.

Soucek offers an attacking threat but will also be needed to break up play and keep the ball moving in the middle of the pitch.

The 31-year-old netted eight goals for club and country during the 2025/26 campaign and will hope to chip in with another goal or two having been denied by the linesman’s flag against South Korea.

Lyle Foster (South Africa)

After a dismal opening match, South Africa will know they likely need to get on the scoresheet against the Czech Republic if they are to have a chance of advancing to the knockout stages.

The responsibility of finding the net will fall on the shoulders of Lyle Foster who scored in his country's wins over Angola and Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations back in December.

Foster also netted for Burnley against Manchester United and Tottenham in the Premier League and though he ended the domestic season with only three goals for the relegated Clarets, the forward is the main scoring hope for Bafana Bafana.

If South Africa can provide Foster with decent service, the 25-year-old will have to make the most of any chances that come his way.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com