▲ South Africa's Teboho Mokoena celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match between Czech Republic and South Africa on June 18 (local time).
The South African national football team, set to face South Korea in the third match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup group stage, has been hit by a series of disciplinary setbacks.
During the Group A second match between South Africa and the Czech Republic held at Atlanta Stadium in the U.S. today (June 19), South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) received a yellow card in the 33rd minute of the first half.
Mokoena was cautioned by referee Tori Penso (USA)—the second woman in history to officiate a men's World Cup match—after a late tackle on Czech midfielder Lukáš Červ.
Having already received a yellow card in the first match against Mexico on June 12, Mokoena is now suspended and will be unable to play in the final Group A match against South Korea, scheduled to take place at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on June 25.
For South Africa, it appears that disciplinary cards are continuing to hinder their campaign following the Mexico match.
In their opening match against Mexico, South African midfielders Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off, forcing them to miss today's game. Furthermore, Zwane received a three-match suspension from FIFA yesterday, ruling him out of the match against South Korea as well.
Mokoena has been a key figure in South Africa's midfield, having played over 50 international matches. He was a starter during the Africa Cup of Nations held from last December to January and played the full 90 minutes in South Africa's opening World Cup match against Mexico.
Before facing South Africa in the third match, the South Korean team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, will play their second group stage match against co-host Mexico at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico at 10:00 a.m. today, in what is effectively a battle for first place in Group A.
With Mexico also missing central defender César Montes due to a red card in their previous match, the atmosphere surrounding Hong Myung-bo's squad is one of receiving a 'boost' from the disciplinary issues of their opponents ahead of the match against South Africa.
(Photo: Getty Images Korea)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.