CZECHIA

The Czech Republic is the successor to the Czechoslovakia national team, a two-time World Cup finalist (1934, 1962 as Czechoslovakia). At the 2026 World Cup, Czechia plays in Group A against Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa. Head coach Miroslav Koubek (74, appointed in November 2025 after Ivan Hašek was sacked). The leaders: Patrik Schick, Adam Hložek, Tomáš Souček, Antonín Barák.

In 1934 in Italy, Czechoslovakia reached the World Cup final — leading hosts Italy 1:0 in Rome until the 81st minute before losing 1:2 in extra time. In 1962 in Chile: another final, another defeat, 1:3 to Brazil. Two silver medals in the Czechoslovakia era. After 1993 Czechia separated and qualified on its own only for the 1990 World Cup (as Czechoslovakia, reaching the quarterfinal) and the 2006 World Cup in Germany. At the Euros, Czechia was the 1996 finalist (a 1:2 loss to Germany at Wembley) and 2004 bronze medalist.

Qualifying was dramatic. After a shock 1:2 defeat to the Faroe Islands on October 14, 2025, Hašek was fired the next day. Koubek took over from a losing position and won 6:0 over Gibraltar. The team qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 20 years (since 2006). In Group A the main rivals are Mexico and South Korea. Matches are in Toronto, Atlanta, and Mexico City. Czechia is the oldest squad of the tournament on average (a 74-year-old coach plus an experienced lineup).

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