Czechia are back at the World Cup for the first time in two decades after penalty shootout triumphs in the playoffs against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark. The experienced side, led by coach Miroslav Koubek, will look to surprise in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa.
The Plan
The role of the underdog has historically suited Czechia, and they may be able to surprise again, but they lack technical players and rely heavily on physicality, work-rate, aggression, and set pieces. That was evident in the playoffs, where they won both ties on penalties after battling performances. Long-distance travel, time-zone changes, and altitude in Mexico (around 2,000 metres above sea level) will test the squad, especially with their base in Dallas.
The spine of the team is experienced. Tomas Soucek remains the midfield leader despite being stripped of the captaincy after players failed to thank fans following a 6-0 win over Gibraltar. Ladislav Krejci, the hard-tackling Wolves centre-back, stepped in as captain and scored in both playoff matches. Patrik Schick is expected to be the main attacking weapon again, with his fitness improved for Bayer Leverkusen towards the end of the 2025-26 season.
There was embarrassment during qualification—a historic defeat to the Faroe Islands—which led to the sacking of coach Ivan Hasek. However, things improved after Miroslav Koubek took over. The starting XI will likely combine Premier League and other top European league players with those making a name in the Czech league. Strong competition exists for the goalkeeping position, with Matej Kovar helping PSV Eindhoven win the Dutch title and saving two penalties in the playoffs, while Braga’s Lukas Hornicek pushes hard. Lukas Provod and Pavel Sulc are among the creative players. The aim is to get out of the group.
The Coach
Miroslav Koubek, at 74, was set to become the oldest coach at a World Cup, but Dick Advocaat (four years his senior) was reappointed to lead Curaçao. Even so, Koubek is at his peak. He coached in lower Czech leagues while working as an insurance broker until his 50s, gradually working up to the top flight, eventually managing Slavia Prague and Viktoria Plzen, winning the league with the latter in 2015. He promised his players a small tattoo as a memento of that triumph. He has a knack for getting the maximum out of limited resources, uses data, and is respected for his dry sense of humour.
Star Player
Patrik Schick remains Czechia’s biggest star and international reference point. The Bayer Leverkusen striker combines elegant movement with outstanding finishing and can decide matches almost on his own. Injuries have occasionally disrupted his rhythm, but his quality is unquestionable. Schick shot to fame during Euro 2020, scoring five goals, including a stunning strike from the halfway line against Scotland. For Czechia, he is the main source of goals and the player opponents fear most. Sixteen Bundesliga goals in 2025-26 show he is in form.
One to Watch
Pavel Sulc has rapidly developed into the face of the new Czech football generation. After emerging at Viktoria Plzen, the attacking midfielder joined Lyon last year and had an outstanding first campaign in Ligue 1. Sulc brings unpredictability and technical flair between the lines—he can score, create chances, and press aggressively. Lyon fans appreciate his intelligence and clinical finishing. While not a household name outside Czechia and France, that could change after the World Cup.
Unsung Hero
Tomas Holes rarely attracts headlines outside Czechia, yet coaches and teammates value him enormously. The Slavia Prague player is tactically intelligent, disciplined, and capable of playing both in midfield and defence. The 33-year-old does much of the invisible work that allows more creative players to shine. He covers space, wins second balls, and helps maintain team structure under pressure. Czech supporters remember his outstanding performances at Euro 2020, when he kept big names quiet and even scored in the last-16 game against the Netherlands.
Probable Starting XI
The likely lineup combines experience and youth, with a strong defensive core and creative midfielders supporting Schick up front.
What to Expect from the Fans
Czech supporters are unlikely to travel in big numbers like those from England, Argentina, or Mexico, but those who do are passionate, loud, and heavily beer-fuelled (but not violent). They traditionally sing simple chants such as “Cesi do toho!” (“Come on, Czechs!”) and create a friendly atmosphere mixed with self-deprecation and dark humour. Violence is rare around the national team. Reaching the World Cup was worthy of heavy celebration, but few fans have the financial resources to travel to the US and Mexico. Those who make it will not be quiet.
Relationship with the US/Trump
Czech society remains one of the more pro-American in central Europe due to historical ties after the 1989 Velvet Revolution and NATO membership. Current President Petr Pavel has been critical of Trump, describing him as “a truly repulsive human being,” but fans travelling to the US are expected to focus more on ticket prices, accommodation, and transport costs than politics.
