Czech Republic FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: Player to watch out for, tactics, playing XI

The Czech Republic’s return to the World Cup comes after a long wait and with a team that seems built more for survival than spectacle. It has not played in the tournament since 2006 and the return journey was not clean. A shock qualifying defeat to the Faroe Islands forced change, before Koubek leveled the team and pushed it through the play-offs.

That background is important because the Czech Republic won’t arrive in Group A looking to beat everyone. It will try to make matches awkward. The team has length, threat in a set-piece and a strong central backbone. Soucek remains important in midfield, Schick is still the clearest route to goals and Krejci gives the defense a left-footed presence and leadership.

The opener against South Korea in Guadalajara could be decisive for the tournament. A win would put the Czech Republic in a strong position before facing South Africa in Atlanta. Defeat would require a result against Mexico at the Azteca, which is not a position Koubek would want.

The Czech Republic’s likely route is via second place, although the extended format gives the country room to fight for a third-place qualifying spot. It may not be pretty, but few opponents will enjoy it.

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Player to watch out for

Patrik Schick remains the Czech Republic’s most natural match winner. Strong in the penalty area, dangerous in the air and able to score from difficult angles, he gives Koubek a focal point in a team that may not be creating too many chances. His finishing could determine the Czech Republic’s knockout hopes.

Manager

Miroslav Koubek took over after the Czech qualifying campaign hit turbulence and brought the team back to basics. At 74, he offers experience and clarity rather than reinvention. His side is expected to be direct, physical and disciplined, with set pieces a key part of the plan.

TEAM

• Goalkeepers: Lukas Hornicek, Matej Kovar, Jindrich Stanek
• Defenders: Vladimir Coufal, David Doudera, Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Stepan Chaloupek, David Jurasek, Ladislav Krejci, Jaroslav Zeleny, David Zima
• Midfielders: Lukas Cerv, Vladimir Darida, Lukas Provod, Michal Sadilek, Hugo Sochurek, Alexandr Sojka, Tomas Soucek, Pavel Sulc, Denis Visinsky
• Forward: Adam Hlozek, Tomas Chory, Mojmir Chytil, Jan Kuchta, Patrik Schick

Published on June 3, 2026