Ghana beat Panama 1-0; South Africa face Czechia in crucial group A match

African teams have impressed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Ghana securing a 1-0 victory over Panama and DR Congo earning a 1-1 draw against Portugal on a successful Wednesday for the continent.

Caleb Yirenkyi scored the decisive goal for the Black Stars in their tournament opener, giving Ghana an early boost in group play. Meanwhile, DR Congo showed resilience against a strong Portuguese side, sharing the points in a competitive encounter.

Attention now turns to Thursday, when South Africa will face Czechia in a key group A clash in Atlanta. The match kicks off at 12 p.m. local time in Atlanta (6 p.m. SAST). After a disappointing defeat to Mexico in their opening fixture, Bafana Bafana need a positive result to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.

Complicating South Africa's preparations is the suspension of midfielder Themba Zwane, whose initial one-match ban for a red card against Mexico has been upgraded to three games. The team must adjust its tactics in his absence as they seek a vital win.