World Cup 2026: Nedved backs Czech Republic to raise performance level against South Africa

Czech Republic legend Pavel Nedvěd has expressed confidence that his country will deliver a significantly improved display when they face South Africa in their second Group-stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Both sides head into Thursday’s encounter under pressure after opening defeats. South Africa were beaten 2-0 by co-hosts Mexico, while Czech Republic fell 2-1 to South Korea.

Nedvěd, the 2003 Ballon d’Or winner, insisted he expects a far stronger showing from his national team after their opening setback.

“This time I wouldn’t want to make any predictions, but I can promise that we will deliver a 100 per cent better performance against South Africa,” he said in an interview with Seznam Zprávy.

He added that a victory remains the target as Czech Republic look to keep their qualification hopes alive.

“A win would be fantastic. That would fulfil the objective we came to America for: to fight for qualification right until the very last minutes,” he said.

Nedvěd also declined to speculate on the tactical approach expected from head coach Miroslav Koubek, praising the coach’s focus on form and strategy over reputation.

“He certainly doesn’t look at names or reputations; what interests him is current form and the tactics needed to beat the opponent,” he said.

“He has 26 players at his disposal, the best in the Czech Republic, and every one of them is capable of playing. Now it depends on whether he makes the right choices.”