New Delhi, June 18 -- Having lost their opening encounters at the FIFA World Cup 2026, both Czechia and South Africa would be hoping to keep their hopes alive when they meet in a Group A encounter at the Atlanta Stadium on Thursday. While Czechia are coming after a loss to South Korea, South Africa lost to Mexico in the tournament opener.

A win for the either teams will put them in contention for the top three, while a loss will virtually end all hopes for qualification into the knockouts. Notably, it South Africa and Mexico play out a draw, both Czechia and South Africa will have to pack their bags early.

Meanwhile, South Africa will start on the backfoot, without midfielders Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, both of whom received a ...