Overview
- The match kicks off at 12:00 p.m. ET Thursday at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta and will be shown on FOX with Spanish coverage on Telemundo and Peacock.
- Both teams began the tournament with losses and need a victory to preserve a realistic chance of advancing from Group A under the expanded 48-team format.
- South Africa will be without midfielders Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane after both received red cards in the opener and now serve suspensions that alter the team's midfield options.
- FIFA appointed an on-field refereeing crew of three U.S. women, with Tori Penso as lead referee, marking a rare assignment of American women to all on-field positions at a World Cup match.
- Local officials warn hot, humid conditions could complicate fan travel and outdoor Fan Festival events around Centennial Olympic Park, and teams trained in Atlanta ahead of kickoff.