Czechia
About Czechia

Czechia competes as the successor state to Czechoslovakia, which reached the FIFA World Cup final twice — in 1934 and 1962 — and produced legends such as František Plánička and Josef Masopust. The independent Czech Republic's finest World Cup moment came in 2006, when they qualified but exited in the group stage. At the European Championship, they memorably won Euro 1996 as Czechoslovakia's successor, with Karel Poborský and Patrik Berger starring. The 2026 tournament represents a chance to end a long wait for knockout-stage football.
Czechia are out of the World Cup
Czechia did not advance from the group stage, so there is no knockout path to project.
Players to watch
Miroslav Koubek typically deploys a 4-2-3-1, with Tomáš Souček as one of the double pivots providing physicality and box-to-box energy. Lukáš Provod operates in the advanced midfield role, linking play between the lines. Defensively, the team sits in a mid-block and looks to win the ball and transition quickly to Patrik Schick. Robin Hranáč and Ladislav Krejčí anchor the back four, keeping the shape compact and disciplined.
Watch Patrik Schick first — the Bayer Leverkusen striker's movement in the box and ability to score from distance (his looping effort against Scotland at Euro 2020 from the halfway line remains one of the tournament's great goals) make him Czechia's most dangerous weapon. Tomáš Souček provides the engine from deep, winning headers and arriving late into the box from West Ham's midfield. Adam Hložek offers pace and directness from wide positions at Hoffenheim.
Patrik Schick's clinical finishing gives Czechia a genuine match-winner from limited chances — he scored five goals at Euro 2020. Tomáš Souček's aerial dominance and box-to-box output at Premier League level adds a physical dimension few central European sides can match. The Slavia Prague-heavy squad brings genuine club chemistry.
Depth behind Schick is a concern — Tomáš Chorý and Mojmír Chytil are domestic-league options without proven international pedigree. The reliance on Slavia Prague players, while cohesive, limits tactical flexibility. Vladimír Darida, now at second-tier Hradec Králové, represents a creative midfield option past his peak.
The lines
Patrik Schick leads the line with intelligent movement and elite finishing. Adam Hložek provides width and directness from the left, while Jan Kuchta and Tomáš Chorý offer physical alternatives. Denis Višinský adds youthful energy from Viktoria Plzeň as a squad option.
Tomáš Souček anchors the double pivot with power and late runs into the box. Lukáš Provod operates as the creative link ahead of him, while Michal Sadílek offers disciplined cover. Hugo Sochůrek from Sparta Prague provides an emerging option in the deeper role.
Robin Hranáč and Ladislav Krejčí — both at Hoffenheim and Wolves respectively — form a centre-back pairing with Bundesliga and Premier League experience. Vladimír Coufal covers at right back, while David Jurásek operates on the left. The Slavia Prague contingent adds domestic familiarity.
Jindřich Staněk is the established first choice, having been Czechia's starter at Euro 2024 where he produced several key saves. His form for Slavia Prague makes him reliable, though Lukáš Horníček at Braga offers credible competition.
Squad
Fixtures & results
Frequently asked questions
What group is Czechia in at the 2026 World Cup?
Czechia are in Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Who is Czechia's manager?
Czechia are managed by Miroslav Koubek.
Who are Czechia's players to watch?
Key players to watch for Czechia include Tomáš Souček, Patrik Schick, Adam Hložek.
See the full World Cup 2026 title odds and predicted bracket.
Tomáš Souček
Patrik Schick
Adam Hložek