Tori Penso to make history in Bafana Bafana v Czechia clash
American official Tori Penso will become the first American woman to referee a men’s senior Fifa World Cup match when she takes charge of South Africa against Czech Republic on Thursday (kick-off 6pm).
Penso is only the second woman in history to referee a men’s World Cup match after French official Stéphanie Frappartpaved the way at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The news has generated excitement among football fans across the globe. South African sports broadcaster Xoliswa Zondo was among those celebrating the achievement.
“Meet the American lady who will referee Bafana Bafana’s World Cup match against Czechia on Thursday. Thirty-nine-year-old Tori Penso’s career highlight includes refereeing the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
American official Tori Penso is set to become the first American woman to referee a men’s senior FIFA World Cup match when she takes charge of Bafana Bafana v Czechia. Photo: AFP
Historic results for Cape Verde and DR Congo inspire African nations
South Africans will hope that Bafana Bafana show as much fight as Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The former held Spain to a dramatic 0-0 draw in their matchday 1 encounter, while the DRC scored against Portugal to secure a 1-1 draw.
So far, only the Ivory Coast — of the 10 African nations have secured a victory in North America. They managed to beat Ecaudor on Monday.
Meanwhile, the DRC’s first-ever World Cup point on Wednesday gave their compatriots in Bunia, the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak, a rare chance to celebrate.
Yoane Wissa’s goal in Houston — also a first in his nation’s short World Cup history — secured a point against a star-studded Portugal side who included all-time great Cristiano Ronaldo. DRC’s French coach Sébastien Desabre said he was proud of his players “because they represented the Congo in a very positive way and the entire country deserves it.”
That was certainly reflected in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province in the northeast of the country, which has borne the brunt of the DR Congo’s 17th outbreak of the haemorrhagic fever.
After Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of Congo shocked Europe’s elite with historic draws, the Ivory Coast remain the only African nation to secure a maximum points haul so far. Photo: IANS
The key match-ups that will define South Africa v Czech Republic
The match will require a determined, high-energy performance from Bafana. With significant stakes for both nations, here are three key matchups that could decide the result in Atlanta.
Khuliso Mudau v Patrik Schick
Mudau remains one of South Africa’s most composed defenders. His ability to track back and support the attack with precision will be vital. He displayed resilience during his defensive shift against Mexico’s lethal attack in the opening round.
Patrik Schick, left, of the Czech Republic. Photo: IANS
Why Bafana will win and why Bafana will lose …
Following a tough 2-0 opening defeat to Mexico, Bafana Bafana face a vital Fifa World Cup clash against Czech Republic.
Football writers Smiso Msomi and Mihlali Baleka debate whether Hugo Broos’s men can bounce back. After a tactical backfire against Mexico, Bafana must find a way past a physical Czechia side to keep their Cup dreams alive.
It’s gameday: Bafana face Repre in matchday 2 of the Fifa World Cup 2026
Welcome to Independent Media and IOL’s live blog on South Africa’s Fifa World Cup 2026 Matchday 2 clash against the Czech Republic on Thursday in Atlanta (kick-off 6pm).
After a demorilsing 2-0 loss to Mexico in the opening match of the tournament last week, the nation is full of hope that Bafana Bafana can bounce back and show what they are really made of. It is not panic station just yet in Atlanta on Thursday night for Hugo Broos and Co — a win would be preferred but a draw will suffice — if Bafana are to progress to the Round of 32.
Repre are in a similar situation.
They too suffered defeat in their opening match to South Korea, losing 2-1. They are, however, the odds on favourites to win the encounter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Fifa World Cup 2026 Matchday 2 starts on Thursday night on with South Africa v the Czech Republic.
The Czech favour a set-piece heavy approach to their gameplan, so Bafana will do well to cover free-kicks, corners and free-throws with watchful intent. They will tower over the South Africans as they are the fifth tallest team at the World Cup with an average height of 1.85m to Bafana’s average of 1.79m, which fits into their tactics and will make their crosses into the 18-yard area a dangerous proposition.
Previously, the two nations have faced each other just once, all the way back in 1997.
In December 1997 in Saudi Arabia during the Fifa Confederation Cup, they played to a 2-2 draw. Vladimír Šmicer scored twice for the Czechs, while Bafana Bafana equalized through Helman Mkhalele and a late strike from Doctor Khumalo.
Stay updated on IOL as we build-up to Thursday night’s crucial clash.
The stadium that South Africa will face Czech Republic in on Thursday night.
The testimony of an analyst linked to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) took place in-camera on Thursday at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry due to the sensitivity of his evidence, which was likely to expose his life and that of his family to danger.This followed the commission’s ruling in favour of the applicant, who cited that his testimony included evidence regarding businessman Tumelo Nku's active role in tipping […]
