GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Czechia proved that possession is not everything, making the most of its scoring opportunities to earn a 3-1 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Akron.

The tournament’s first goal came in the 21st minute when Patrik Schick put Czechia in front 1-0. South Africa answered seven minutes later as Lyle Foster collected a pass and buried a first-time shot into the upper-right corner, leveling the match at 1-1 before halftime.

The deadlock remained intact until midway through the second half. In the 62nd minute, South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made an initial save but failed to secure the rebound. The loose ball bounced to the left side of the goal, where Schick reacted first and headed it home to restore Czechia’s advantage at 2-1.

Schick heads in go-ahead goal for Czechia

South Africa continued to press for an equalizer, but Czechia delivered the decisive blow in the 82nd minute. Pavel Šulcfinished off a dangerous attack with a clinical strike to give his side a two-goal cushion and put the result beyond doubt.

Despite controlling much of the possession, South Africa struggled to convert its advantage into quality chances. Czechia, meanwhile, was ruthless in front of goal, turning its opportunities into three scores to claim the first victory of the 2026 World Cup.