Czechia and South Africa played out a tense draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, each securing their first point of Group A. Michal Sadilek gave Czechia an early lead in the sixth minute, but South Africa equalized from the penalty spot when Teboho Mokoena converted in the eighty-third minute. The visitors dominated possession at sixty-two percent and created more chances overall, though Czechia's goalkeeper made three saves to keep them in the contest. Mokoena earned player of the match honors for his influential display. Both teams remain alive in the group stage race, though neither can afford many more draws if they hope to advance. The result leaves the qualification picture wide open heading into the final matches.