Overview
The role of "underdog" has long become the identity of the Czech Republic, and the 2026 World Cup is likely not an exception. However, this team currently does not have many breakthrough options.
For many years, the Czech Republic has lacked technically gifted players, instead they depend on fitness, intensity, decisiveness and the ability to take advantage of set pieces. This was clearly shown in the World Cup play-offs against Ireland and Denmark, where they overcame opponents after fierce performances and a tense penalty shootout.
At the 2026 World Cup, the fitness problem will become even more important as they have to travel long distances and change time zones. 2 matches at an altitude of nearly 20,000m above sea level will be a significant challenge, especially when the team's headquarters are located in Dallas.
The Czech Republic's framework still relies heavily on experience. Tomas Soucek continues to be the leader of the midfield, although he was once stripped of the captain's armband after players did not thank fans after the 6-0 victory over Gibraltar. At that time, the Czech Republic Football Federation publicly criticized the team's attitude and said that the players should have shown respect to the fans.
In defense, Wolves center-back Ladislav Krejci currently plays as captain and has scored in both World Cup play-off matches. In attack, Patrik Schick is still the biggest hope as his fitness has improved significantly after the 2025-2026 season with Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite disappointing with a historic defeat to the Faroe Islands in the qualifiers that caused coach Ivan Hasek to lose his job, the Czech Republic has made positive changes under Miroslav Koubek.
The expected lineup is a combination of players playing in the Premier League, top European leagues and outstanding players from the domestic league. The competition for the goalkeeper position takes place fiercely between Matej Kovar - who won the Dutch championship with PSV and once saved two penalties in the play-offs - and Lukas Hornicek of Braga. Meanwhile, Lukas Provod and Pavel Sulc are expected to bring creativity to the midfield. The minimum goal of this team is to get through the group stage.
Coach
Miroslav Koubek once almost became the oldest coach in World Cup history at the age of 74, before Dick Advocaat reappeared to lead Curacao. However, the Czech strategist is still at the peak of his career.
He took many years to be recognized, having worked as an insurance broker while leading lower-tier clubs in his hometown before rising to the top league. Koubek then led Slavia Prague and Viktoria Plzen, winning the national championship with Plzen in 2015. To keep his promise to his students, he even tattooed a picture on his hand to celebrate the championship.
Koubek is famous for his ability to optimize limited resources and always earns respect from both players and the media thanks to his humorous and witty demeanor at press conferences.
Star
Patrik Schick is still the leader of the Czech Republic. The striker from Bayer Leverkusen possesses intelligent movement and comprehensive finishing skills, enough to decide the match in just a moment.
Despite frequently encountering injury problems, Schick still proves his class with 16 goals in the Bundesliga in the 2025-2026 season. He exploded at EURO 2020 with 5 goals, notably the super goal from midfield into Scotland's net - one of the most memorable moments in the history of the league.
Notable players
Pavel Sulc is emerging as a symbol for the new generation of football in this country. After making a splash at Viktoria Plzen, this attacking midfielder joined Lyon and quickly had his first impressive season in Ligue 1.
Sulc possesses good technique, the ability to create breakthroughs, strong pressing and is especially dangerous in finishing situations from the second line. The 2026 World Cup may be the stage to help his name become more widely known outside of France and the Czech Republic.
The silent hero
Tomas Holes is not a star who regularly appears in international media, but is always highly appreciated for his stability.
The Slavia Prague player can play both midfielder and defender, taking on the role of balancing the system, recovering the ball and supporting the creative players above. At EURO 2020, he made a strong impression by locking down many big stars and scoring against the Netherlands in the round of 16.
Holes may not be flashy, but they are indispensable players in a team that favors organization like the Czech Republic.
