Editor's note: Follow all World Cup games liveTwo Group A teams that started the 2026 World Cup off on the wrong foot will look to bounce back as Czechia and South Africa meet in Atlanta.The European squad had a lead against Korea but conceded twice to fall 2-1, while South Africa struggled in the opening match of the tournament and fell 2-0 to Mexico. Managers from both teams have to deal with an international move, with a long flight from Mexico to Georgia, and also know they need to find pints in this game to keep the hopes of advancing alive.South Africa will be without a pair of players, after midfielders Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane both saw red in the opener and will serve suspensions in this contest. Czechia will look to win the midfield battle after struggling to contain Hwang In-Beom in the opener but likely seeing no equivalent player in the South African squad.The stakes will be high after the disappointing starts for each teams and neutrals will hope that leads to a thrilling game.Czechia vs South Africa predictionsSeth Vertelney: Czechia 2-0 South AfricaSouth Africa was dreadful in its opening game and has two key players suspended for this one after red cards. Czechia should have enough to take all three points.Jon Arnold: Czechia 1-0 South AfricaSouth Africa may be able to regroup and look more like the team they were in qualifying, but it won't be enough against a similiarly stingy Czechia.Jesse Yomtov: South Africa 2-1 CzechiaThe South Africans weren't thoroughly outclassed by Mexico in the opener and will bounce back to surprise the European side and take three points.Victoria Hernandez: Czechia 2-1 South AfricaBoth teams had rocky starts to the tournament, but Czechia looks sharper compared to South Africa's red card bonanza.World Cup picks, predictions and odds for June 18Czechia vs South Africa World Cup prediction, picks, analysisSwitzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup prediction, picks, analysisCanada vs Qatar World Cup prediction, picks, analysisMexico vs South Korea World Cup prediction, picks, analysisHow to watch Czechia vs South Africa on June 18Matchup: Czechia vs South AfricaDate: Thursday, June 18Time: 12:00 PM (ET)Venue: Mercedes-Benz StadiumLocation: Atlanta, GeorgiaTV: FoxStreaming: FOX One AppSpanish Broadcast: Telemundo, PeacockWatch the 2026 World Cup with FuboCzechia vs South Africa oddsWorld Cup standingsExplore live group standings, stats and the updated bracket with USA TODAY Sports here.2026 World Cup tiebreakersThe top two teams in each group advance to the Round of 32 along with the eight best third-place squads. Tiebreakers in the group standings will be resolved using the following criteria:Greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concernedSuperior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concernedGreatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concernedSuperior goal difference in all group matchesGreatest number of goals scored in all group matchesHighest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtainedThe two or more teams still equal on points shall be ranked according to the most recent published edition of the FIFA Men's World Ranking