How South Africa Could Line Up - Predicted XI to face Czechia in FIFA World Cup

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 2 hours ago

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John Eastwood 2 hours ago

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South Africa face Czechia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after losing to Mexico.
Lineup changes could see a switch from the 5-3-2 shape used in the opening match.
Suspensions for Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane will limit options in midfield.

Sphephelo Sithole is suspended for South Africa after his red card against Mexico (Getty Images).

South Africa face Czechia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 at 18:00 SAST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday, 18 June.
GOALKEEPER
DEFENCE
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
ATTACK

Below you can find the predicted starting XI for Bafana Bafana.

GOALKEEPER

Ronwen Williams made some key saves in the first match.

The captain also made some poor passes in the defeat to Mexico. However, he is certain to keep his place.

DEFENCE

Khuliso Mudau was used as a right wingback vs Mexico and struggled. He could revert to a more traditional fullback role in this one.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Chicago Fire will play as a left centre back. Ime Okon could come under pressure from Olwethu Makhanya for a starting place. Nkosinathi Sibisi is set to be dropped.

At left back, Aubrey Modiba will start once again. He looked half-fit against Mexico after a serious hamstring injury.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

Teboho Mokoena and Jayden Adams look set to keep their places. Sphephelo Sithole of CD Tondela had a nightmare performance against Mexico and is suspended for this match, a blessing in disguise.

In the number ten role, assuming coach Hugo Broos reverts to a 4-2-3-1 shape, is set to be 22-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng. There will be no minutes for 36-year-old Themba Zwane due to suspension, after his harsh red card in the first match.

ATTACK

Oswin Appollis will surely be recalled down the left in this match. He made an impact from the bench against Mexico and should have started that match.

On the opposite flank could be either Tshepang Moremi or Orlando Pirates teammate Kamogelo Sebelebele.

In the number nine role, Lyle Foster of Burnley FC gave an abject display vs Mexico. He retains the faith of the coach, but this will surely be a match for the height of Evidence Makgopa.

Predicted lineup in full (4-2-3-1 formation):

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Kamogelo Sebelebele (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates) - Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates).