As full-time loomed in Thursday’s Group A match at Atlanta Stadium, it looked as though Chicago Fire FC<\/a> defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi<\/a>‘s hopes of advancing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/a> were fading.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Czechia led South Africa, 1-0, thanks to a slick finish from Michal Sad\u00edlek in the sixth minute. The Round of 32 dream was losing steam.<\/p>\n But then Mbokazi and South Africa got a lifeline in the final stages when Thapelo Maseko’s shot was handled in the penalty area by a Czechia defender.<\/p>\n Up stepped Teboho Mokoena, who coolly slotted his penalty kick past goalkeeper Mat\u011bj Kov\u00e1\u0159 to salvage a 1-1 draw<\/a>.<\/p>\n In a flash, Bafana Bafana had their first World Cup goal since hosting the 2010 World Cup and remain in contention at this summer’s tournament.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u2014 FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 18, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Mbokazi and South Africa now have one point through two matchdays, having lost 2-0<\/a> to co-hosts Mexico in the first game of the tournament.<\/p>\n That puts huge pressure on their June 24 showdown with South Korea and LAFC<\/a> superstar Son Heung-Min<\/a>, who face Mexico late Thursday in a top-of-the-group clash.<\/p>\n To advance, Bafana and Bafana would likely need a win in their final Group A test. They’d finish on four points, putting second place (guaranteed spot) or third place (potential spot) both in the cards.\u00a0<\/p>\n Remember: The 2026 World Cup features an expanded 48-team field and, with it, the knockout rounds begin with the Round of 32. Each group’s top two finishers automatically advance, and the top eight third-place finishers also progress.<\/p>\n Still in contention, how will South Africa and Mbokazi respond vs. South Korea? It will surely be one of their country’s biggest-ever matches.<\/p>\n So far this World Cup, the 2026 MLS All-Star defender has played the full 90 minutes in both of Bafana Bafana’s games. Philadelphia Union<\/a> center back Olwethu Makhanya<\/a> has been an unused substitute vs. both Mexico and Czechia.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n
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