Groups A and B begin their second matches of group play Thursday as Czechia and South Africa kick off World Cup Day 8 at noon ET. Both teams opened their tournaments on the first day of the World Cup in Mexico, and both enter Thursday looking to bounce back from losses.
Czechia fell to South Korea 2-1 in its opener. Ladislav Krejčí put the Czechs ahead with a header in the 59th minute off an assist from Vladimír Coufal. However, South Korea responded with an equalizer in the 67th minute before Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the go-ahead goal in the 80th minute to complete the comeback.
Like Czechia, South Africa dropped its opening match, falling 2-0 to Mexico. It was a difficult afternoon for Bafana Bafana, who managed just three total shots and two shots on target in the defeat.
With both teams already sitting on zero points, Thursday’s matchup carries significant importance. Another loss would leave the losing side facing an uphill battle to reach the Round of 32, where the top two teams in each group automatically advance.
Czechia vs. South Africa Current Odds
Czechia enters as the favorite at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook after showing more attacking promise in its opening match than South Africa did in its loss to Mexico.
- Czechia: -120
- South Africa: +375
- Draw/Tie: +250
Czechia vs. South Africa Predictions
World Cup action continues to roll along, so head over to Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook to get in on the action. While you’re there, check out the Stats Hub for soccer betting insights, trends, trackers, and standings that can help uncover betting opportunities such as the pick below:
Czechia vs. South Africa Best Bet: Ladislav Krejčí Anytime Goalscorer
Ladislav Krejčí scored Czechia’s lone goal in its World Cup opener and has now found the back of the net in each of Czechia’s last three World Cup matches, including qualifiers. While more established scoring threats such as Patrik Schick are also featured on Czechia’s roster, Krejčí could provide value as the hot hand heading into Thursday’s match.
Not only did Krejčí score against South Korea, but he also led Czechia with 59 touches. Asking the 27-year-old to score in consecutive World Cup matches may be ambitious, but facing a South Africa side that allowed 16 shots and four shots on target against Mexico, Czechia should have opportunities to create chances throughout the afternoon.
- Czechia vs. South Africa Player Prop Pick for June 18: Ladislav Krejčí Anytime Goalscorer (+575)
Popular Props for Czechia vs. South Africa
Czechia players are generating the overwhelming majority of action in player prop markets, with Patrik Schick owning the five most-bet props. Iqraam Rayners is the only South Africa player currently appearing among the top 10 most-bet props, with two:
- Patrik Schick – Anytime Goalscorer
- Pavel Šulc – To Score or Assist
- Iqraam Rayners – Shots Over 2.5
Czechia & South Africa Group A Winner Odds
Czechia and South Africa own the two longest odds to win Group A, and the loser of Thursday’s match could find itself on the brink of elimination:
- Czechia to win Group A: +1200
- South Africa to win Group A: +6000
Czechia & South Africa World Cup Winner Odds
Following their opening-match defeats, Czechia is tied for the third-longest odds to win the 2026 World Cup, while South Africa is tied for the longest odds on the board:
- Czechia to win the World Cup: +25000
- South Africa to win the World Cup: +250000
Czechia vs. South Africa Match Info
- 📍 Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
- 📅 Date: Thursday, June 18
- ⏰ Start Time: 12:00 PM ET
- 📺 Where to Watch: FOX, Telemundo, FOX One
- 🏆 Stage: World Cup Group Stage
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Referenced odds are subject to change.
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