World Cup 2026 live updates: Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mexico vs South Korea; analysis and more

This match finally picked up in the second half, reflecting the desperation each side had after losing their opening matches.

South Africa dominated in possession, and it finally paid off in the second half when Bafana Bafana got a penalty after a handball in the box.

For Czechia, its offense never quite picked up after its first goal.

Ultimately, both sides did enough to pick up a much-needed point and stay alive in group play.

Evidence Makgopa had a nice look at the goal, but he rushed his shot and was stopped by Matej Kovár.

That was close! A left-footed strike by Lukás Provod from the left side of the box swung just wide right of the goal.

Will either side break the tie in the final few minutes?

South Africa staying on the attack after the penalty.

Relebohile Mofokeng just took a right-footed shot from outside the box that was swinging toward the left side of the net, but it was saved by a diving Matej Kovár.

We have a tie game!

After the handball in the box on Czechia's Pavel Sulc, Teboho Mokoena stepped in for a penalty, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and buried a shot into the left side of the net to make this a 1-1 match with under 10 minutes to go.

Massive chance now for Bafana Bafana.

Can South Africa do anything with all this time on the ball?

South Africa recorded its first shot on target in the 74th minute, via a soft header from Evidence Makgopa. It barely had any juice as it fell into the goalkeeper’s arms, but a shot on goal nonetheless.

Krejcí’s foul leads to a free kick for South Africa.

South Africa leads in possession 61% to 39%, but it hasn’t meant much. Czechia leads in expected goals, shots on goal, chances created and, of course, actual goals, leading this match 1-0.

Noah is surely watching the game right now, as South Africa faces off against Czechia.

The action is picking up a bit, as South Africa is on the hunt for an equalizer.

Penso, 39, became the first American woman to referee a men’s World Cup match during this Czechia vs. South Africa contest. Penso is only the second woman to referee a men’s World Cup match, and the first since 2022.

Her two assistants, Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, are also American women.

Mofokeng is only 21 years old and considered a rising star. Maybe he can create some momentum and chances for the team. He made his debut for Bafana Bafana in 2024 during World Cup qualifying.

Let’s see if we get some more action over these next 45 minutes.

South Africa just had its best chance right before halftime, as Thapelo Maseko tried to uncork a left footer off a rebound, but his shot was blocked by a Czechia defender.

Otherwise, it was a pretty sleepy half following the Czechia goal. South Africa is dominating possession (63% to 37%) and has made over 100 more accurate passes than Czechia. But the chances have been few and far between for both sides.

South Africa has thoroughly dominated possession since the Czechia goal.

That’s Mokoena’s second yellow, he will miss the team’s next game.

We’re 30 minutes into a match that’s been low on scoring opportunities since the early goal by Czechia. Let’s see if either side plays with some more urgency as we approach halftime.

While South Africa has taken the lead in possession time, Czechia leads in expected goals and chances created. Most importantly, Czechia leads on the scoreboard, 1-0.

In addition to scoring the match’s only goal so far, Czechia leads in shots and chances created. South Africa is finally starting to control the ball more, but hasn’t been able to put real pressure on the goal.

Teboho Mokoena of South Africa is challenged by Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Holes of Czechia. Alex Slitz / Getty Images

Czechia is up 1-0 in the sixth minute after a strike from Michal Sadílek inside the box.

The play started with a throw-in that eventually reached Sadílek on the far post, and he buried his second career international goal.

Both teams lost in their first match. Let’s see if either side can pick up a win in Atlanta.

For Bafana Bafana:

For Czechia:

Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi will not travel to Canada for this weekend’s World Cup clash with Germany, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) said today, a day after the player was linked to an investigation into suspected sports corruption in a Ligue 1 match.

The FIF said they had full confidence in Wahi and that he was not travelling for Saturday’s match in Toronto because authorizations for his travel to Canada had not been obtained.

French authorities said unusual betting patterns were detected around a yellow card Wahi received in a Ligue 1 match while playing for Nice last month.

“To date, the FIF has not been officially notified of any legal or administrative proceedings concerning him,” the FIF said in a statement.

“During this particularly difficult period, the FIF offers its full support to the player and reaffirms its confidence in him. Elye Wahi remains an important member of the Ivory Coast national team.

Canada has a chance to take a decisive step toward the knockouts against unfancied Qatar, with all four teams in their group level on 1 point after the Qataris earned a surprise tie with Switzerland. A win would ease the pressure on the Canadians, who impressed and earned a first World Cup point in an opening game tie with Bosnia, ahead of a tricky final game against the talented Swiss. 

The FIFA Fan Festival at Boston’s City Hall Plaza has been canceled today due to the possibility of severe weather.

“Due to the likelihood of high winds and concerns about public safety we will be closed today, Thursday June 18th,” the FIFA Fan Festival posted on its website. “We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage you to enjoy the sport safely where you can. If you missed out today please register for a later day. Thank you for your understanding.”

The organizing committee, Boston 26, said its priority is to ensure the safety of fans, staff, volunteers and emergency service personnel.

Trysta Krick and Jay Croucher preview the upcoming World Cup match between Mexico and South Korea, where the host country will have a home advantage for the second day of Group A play.

Co-hosts Mexico and Canada are back in action as the second round of fixtures begins in Groups A and B. Mexico and South Korea have the chance to cement a place in the Round of 32, while South Africa and Czechia will be desperate to avoid an early exit.

The game of the tournament so far saw England renew its rivalry with Croatia in a six-goal thriller. This time, England triumphed, energizing its bid to end 60 years of hurt on the international stage. Thomas Tuchel was appointed with the simple task of coaching England to a World Cup win, and England showed early signs of his tactical acumen, but also his ability to inspire his players. 

Midfielder Declan Rice spoke glowingly of the halftime talk that helped spur England from a 2-2 tie at half-time to the 4-2 win, as the Three Lions roared out of the blocks in the second half. Earlier, a pair of Harry Kane goals — his ninth and 10th at World Cups — had twice put England ahead, only for some sloppy defending and smart attacking play to give Croatia a route back.