Bafana vs Czechia: What time is the match and where to watch

Bafana Bafana return to FIFA World Cup 2026 action on Thursday, 18 June, when they take on Czechia in a crucial Group A fixture.

Kick-off time

• Match: Czechia vs South Africa
• Date: Thursday, 18 June 2026
• Kick-off: 18:00 SAST
• Venue: Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Georgia, USA

Where to watch

South African viewers can watch the match live on:

• SuperSport (Channels 201, 202, 203 and 235)
• SABC 1
• SABC 3
• SABC+
• DStv App

What happened in Bafana Bafana’s last match?

South Africa opened their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico on 11 June at the Estadio Azteca.

The match got off to the worst possible start when midfielder Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole lost possession near his own penalty area, leading to Mexico taking an early lead in the ninth minute.

Mexico doubled their advantage in the second half through Raúl Jiménez.

The game then descended into chaos as three red cards were shown.

Bafana Bafana finished the match with nine men after Sithole and veteran forward Themba Zwane were both sent off. Mexico also received a red card during the heated encounter.

Major blow for Hugo Broos

The red cards mean both Sithole and Zwane are suspended for the clash against Czechia.

Their absence leaves coach Hugo Broos with important decisions to make as South Africa look to secure their first points of the tournament.

Broos later questioned the decision to send off Zwane, describing the red card as “a little bit soft”.

Why the Czechia match is so important

With Mexico already having three points, Bafana Bafana need a positive result against Czechia to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.

A win would put South Africa firmly back in contention before their final group match, while defeat would leave them facing a difficult path to qualification.

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