Twenty years after their last appearance, the Czech Republic returns to the FIFA World Cup with renewed ambition

CZECH REPUBLIC 🇨🇿

FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group A

The Big Picture

After a 20-year absence from football’s biggest tournament, the Czech Republic is finally back at the FIFA World Cup.

The Czech team secured qualification for the 2026 tournament through the UEFA play-offs, surviving two dramatic penalty shootouts to book their place in North America.

The Road to Qualification

The Czech Republic finished second behind Croatia in UEFA qualifying Group L, forcing them into the play-offs.

Under veteran coach Miroslav Koubek, appointed in December 2025, the team defeated Ireland on penalties in the semi-final before overcoming Denmark 3-1 in a dramatic shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw in Prague.

Their reward is a place in Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea.

Coach

At 74 years old, Miroslav Koubek brings enormous experience and calm leadership to the Czech national team. His arrival revitalized the squad during the final stages of qualification and helped guide the team through the pressure of the UEFA play-offs.

Koubek now faces the challenge of helping the Czech Republic make an impact at its first World Cup since Germany 2006.

Group A Schedule

World Cup History

• Confederation: UEFA
• World Cup appearances: 10
• Best result: Runners-up (1934, 1962 as Czechoslovakia)
• Last appearance: Germany 2006 – Group Stage
• First appearance: Italy 1934

A Football Legacy

The Czech Republic competed at the World Cup as Czechoslovakia between 1930 and 1994 before continuing under the Czech Republic banner from 1998 onward.

Czechoslovakia twice reached the World Cup final, finishing runners-up in 1934 and 1962, making the nation one of Europe’s historically respected football programs.

Most Memorable Recent World Cup

The Czech Republic’s last World Cup appearance came in Germany 2006. The tournament began brilliantly with a dominant 3-0 victory over the United States, inspired by Tomáš Rosický.

However, defeats against Ghana and eventual champions Italy ended the team’s campaign in the group stage.

Players to Watch

• Patrik Schick – Clinical striker and attacking leader.
• Tomáš Souček – Powerful midfielder with leadership and aerial presence.
• Vladimír Coufal – Experienced defender and key organizer.
• Adam Hložek – Talented forward capable of creating moments of brilliance.

2026 Expectations

After waiting two decades to return to the World Cup, the Czech Republic arrives in 2026 determined to prove it belongs back among football’s biggest nations.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Goalkeepers

• #1 Matěj Kovář (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands)
• #16 Jindřich Staněk (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
• #23 Lukáš Horníček (SC Braga, Portugal)

Defenders

• #2 David Zima (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
• #3 Tomáš Holeš (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
• #4 Robin Hranáč (Hoffenheim, Germany)
• #5 Vladimír Coufal (Hoffenheim, Germany)
• #6 Štěpán Chaloupek (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
• #7 Ladislav Krejčí (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)
• #14 David Jurásek (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
• #20 Jaroslav Zelený (Sparta Prague, Czech Republic)
• #21 David Douděra (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

Midfielders

• #8 Vladimír Darida (Hradec Králové, Czech Republic)
• #12 Lukáš Červ (Viktoria Plzeň, Czech Republic)
• #15 Pavel Šulc (Olympique Lyonnais, France)
• #17 Lukáš Provod (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
• #18 Michal Sadílek (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
• #22 Tomáš Souček (West Ham United, England)
• #24 Alexandr Sojka (Viktoria Plzeň, Czech Republic)
• #25 Hugo Sochůrek (Sparta Prague, Czech Republic)
• #26 Denis Višinský (Viktoria Plzeň, Czech Republic)

Forwards

• #9 Adam Hložek (Hoffenheim, Germany)
• #10 Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• #11 Jan Kuchta (Sparta Prague, Czech Republic)
• #13 Mojmír Chytil (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
• #19 Tomáš Chorý (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

Head Coach

• Miroslav Koubek (Czech Republic)