South Africa's midfielder Themba Zwane and defender Yaya Sithole will miss the Group A clash against Czechia on June 18 following expulsions in the team's 3-1 defeat to Mexico in the World Cup opener on June 11.
Czechia makes notable changes to their starting XI after losing 2-1 to South Korea in their opening match, most significantly benching West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek and shifting to a 5-3-2 formation.
Czechia starting XI: Kovar; Coufal, Holes, Hranac, Krejci, Sojka; Sadilek, Darida, Cerv; Hlozek, Schick. South Africa starting XI: Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha, Adams; Maseko, Rayners, Appollis.
Both teams seek victory after opening-round defeats left them in precarious Group A positions.
Match outcome and total goals markets may shift due to South Africa's weakened midfield structure from Zwane and Sithole's unavailability; Czechia enters as stronger favorites due to superior player availability.