Bafana Bafana World Cup hopes remain alive after Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty earned South Africa a 1-1 draw against Czechia in Atlanta on Thursday.

South Africa trailed early in their second FIFA World Cup Group A match, but Mokoena scored from the spot in the 83rd minute to secure Bafana’s first point of the tournament. The result leaves Hugo Broos’ side with work to do before their final group match against South Korea on 25 June.

Mokoena Penalty Keeps Bafana in Contention

According to IOL, Bafana controlled 61% of possession but again conceded inside the opening 10 minutes. Sky Sports reported that Michal Sadilek gave Czechia the lead in the sixth minute, while Mokoena’s late penalty rescued a point for South Africa.

The draw leaves South Africa bottom of Group A on one point, behind Czechia on goal difference. Mexico lead the group on six points after a 1-0 win over South Korea, while South Korea remain second on three points.

That makes the final round decisive for Bafana Bafana World Cup hopes. South Africa face South Korea, while Czechia meet Mexico, with both matches scheduled to kick off at the same time.

What Bafana Need Against South Korea

A win over South Korea would give Bafana four points and a strong chance of reaching the Round of 32. It could also move South Africa into second place if Czechia fail to beat Mexico.

A draw would leave Bafana on two points. That route would depend on Czechia losing to Mexico and other third-placed teams dropping points across the tournament.

However, a defeat would leave South Africa with only a slim path. In that case, Czechia would also need to lose heavily enough for Bafana to finish above them on goal difference.

Group A Reactions and Wider context

The Guardian reported that Mexico’s win over South Korea made the co-hosts the first team at the 2026 World Cup to secure a knockout place. South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said the result was disappointing, but added that his team would prepare better for the final match.

No fresh post-match comment from SAFA or Broos was included in the sources reviewed by Newsroom. However, the standings make the task clear: Bafana must avoid defeat, and a victory would give them their best chance of qualification.

The 2026 World Cup has expanded to 48 teams. Under the new format, the top two teams in each group advance, along with the eight best third-placed teams.

For now, Bafana Bafana World Cup hopes remain alive. But after two matches without a win, South Africa must turn pressure into points against South Korea.