Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about Czech Republic

Get the lowdown on every team at the 2026 World Cup. Here we take a closer look at the Czech Republic, who have reached the tournament for the first time in 20 years.

What can I expect from the Czech Republic?

A workmanlike team who didn't really expect to be here.

Coach Miroslav Koubek assumed his role at Christmas ahead of March's play-offs and immediately changed the formation from 4-2-3-1 to a flexible 3-4-2-1 that often resembles five at the back, reliant upon the stamina of wing-backs Vladimir Coufal and Jaroslav Zeleny.

This isn't a vintage Czech team, but it is their first World Cup for 20 years and you can be sure this tight-knit group of players will battle to the end of each game – as late goals in both of those play-off penalty shootout wins attest to.

Koubek inherited dispirited players and fans alike, but he is a shrewd tactician who will organise his team according to the opposition – don't expect the Czechs to field the same starting eleven two games in a row.

What are the Czech Republic's strengths?

The spine of the team is solid, physical and incredibly hard-working. They're a tall side who threaten mostly from set pieces – no one in European qualifying scored more from dead balls (excluding penalties) than the Czechs' 10.

Patrik Schick ended his club season in red-hot form and playmaker Pavel Sulc has genuine star potential.

And what about their weaknesses?

Sulc aside, the lack of creativity is a worry. The main topic of conversation at home, however, is about the climate; two games at altitude in Mexico could seriously inhibit the Czechs' running power. If these defenders do try to play out from the back, Koubeck's side will struggle against a well-oiled press.

How might the Czech Republic line up?

Which players should I look out for?

West Ham United's Tomas Soucek, 31, may no longer captain the side but the combative midfielder is still a leader on the pitch. His knack for a goal is as impressive as his 6ft 4in frame – he's now the top-scoring Czech in Premier League history.

Pavel Sulc, 25, is the current Czech Footballer of the Year and has enjoyed a superb first season at Lyon, finishing as their joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 despite often being used from the bench. A slick right-footed number 10 who can also play as a second striker.

Bayer Leverkusen's Patrik Schick, 30, was the joint-top scorer at Euro 2020 and his strike from the halfway line against Scotland was named goal of the tournament. The Czechs' top scorer in qualifying.

Who is the Czech Republic's head coach?

Prague native Miroslav Koubek, 74, will briefly become the oldest coach in World Cup history. Best known for his three spells in charge of Viktoria Plzen, the former goalkeeper has never managed a professional club outside of his home nation.

How did the Czech Republic qualify?

Finished a distant second to Croatia in their group but prevailed in penalty shootouts against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark in the play-offs.

Where can I watch the Czech Republic?

All of the Czech Republic's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it!

Give me a fact to impress my friends

Back-up striker Tomas Chory is a renowned hothead. This season alone, the 6ft 6in Slavia Prague forward has been sent-off three times for punching a goalkeeper in the groin, spitting on an opponent, and elbowing a Sparta Prague player during a heated derby that later got abandoned. He's been told he won't play for his club again.

Now give me some proper detail

An entire generation of Czech football fans have grown up without watching their team play on the greatest stage of all – until now.

Since the modern-day Republic was established in 1993, Narodak (the national team) have qualified for eight consecutive European Championships, but just one World Cup, in Germany 20 years ago.

The historic achievements of their predecessors, Czechoslovakia, twice runners-up in this competition, are unlikely to be repeated. There's no out-and-out glamour name, although Lyon's Pavel Sulc has the ability to be one of the breakthrough stars of the whole tournament.

Previous boss Ivan Hasek was shown the door after losing to the Faroe Islands in October, interim Jaroslav Kostl secured a play-off spot, and the unfashionable Miroslav Koubek did the rest, conjuring up two never-say-die performances against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark.

Hard work is non-negotiable for Koubeck's most trusted enforcers. Aided, of course, by the two play-off games, four of the six players who covered the most distance in European qualifiers form the backbone of his team.

It's a unit that's effective rather than exhilarating. Nonetheless, the Czech public are going to enjoy their country's moment in the sun – even if their heroes are unlikely to relish playing in the literal heat of Guadalajara and Mexico City.

How have the Czech Republic done at previous World Cups?

Since losing in the final for a second time in 1962 as Czechoslovakia, they have only once made it past the initial group stage – reaching the quarter-finals in 1990. This is their first World Cup in 20 years.