Czechia travel to North America for the FIFA World Cup this summer, ending a 20-year absence from football’s grandest stage.
Miroslav Koubek’s side finished second in their UEFA qualifying group behind Croatia before overcoming the Republic of Ireland and Denmark in the playoff rounds, both ties decided on penalties.
It was a qualification campaign built on grit and composure under pressure rather than outright dominance — a reflection of how Koubek has shaped this squad since taking charge.
This is Czechia’s first World Cup appearance in exactly 20 years, and arriving in North America represents a significant moment for a nation that has consistently punched above its weight at major tournaments.
Their history as Czechoslovakia includes a run to the 1934 World Cup Final, and more recently they have been regulars at the European Championship.
Captain Ladislav Krejčí leads the group with Wolverhampton Wanderers defender having taken the armband from Tomáš Souček, while Patrik Schick remains the team’s primary attacking threat with 25 goals in 52 international appearances.
Czechia have been drawn into Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa.
Czechia 2026 World Cup fixtures
- Friday, June 12th — South Korea vs Czechia — Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico
- Thursday, June 18th — Czechia vs South Africa — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA
- Thursday, June 25th — Mexico vs Czechia — Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
What time do Czechia’s World Cup games kick-off?
All kick-off times are BST.
- South Korea vs Czechia, 3am
- Czechia vs South Africa, 5pm
- Mexico vs Czechia, 2am
Czechia 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Lukas Hornicek (Braga), Matej Kovar (PSV Eindhoven), Jindrich Stanek (Slavia Prague)
Defenders: Vladimir Coufal (Hoffenheim), David Doudera (Slavia Prague), Tomas Holes (Slavia Prague), Robin Hranac (Hoffenheim), Stepan Chaloupek (Slavia Prague), David Jurasek (Slavia Prague), Ladislav Krejci (Wolverhampton), Jaroslav Zeleny (Sparta Prague), David Zima (Slavia Prague)
Midfielders: Lukas Cerv (Viktoria Plzen), Vladimir Darida (Hradec Kralove), Lukas Provod (Slavia Prague), Michal Sadilek (Slavia Prague), Hugo Sochurek (Sparta Prague), Alexandr Sojka (Viktoria Plzen), Tomas Soucek (West Ham), Pavel Sulc (Olympique Lyonnais), Denis Visinsky (Viktoria Plzen)
Forwards: Adam Hlozek (Hoffenheim), Tomas Chory (Slavia Prague), Mojmir Chytil (Slavia Prague), Jan Kuchta (Sparta Prague), Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)
Read More – Real Madrid ‘agree’ deal to sign former Liverpool star
See Also –Arsenal star facing possible surgery after World Cup
Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok
