The Czech Republic returns to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 20-year absence, aiming to reconnect with the competitive legacy built under Czechoslovakia.
Czech football has a rich and proud history – as Czechoslovakia they were runners-up at the World Cup in both 1934 and 1962, and the independent Czech Republic produced one of European football’s most entertaining sides in the 1990s, reaching the Euro 1996 final and finishing as semi-finalists at Euro 2004.
Players like Pavel Nedved, Tomas Rosicky and Peter Cech defined that golden generation.
How they got there
The road to North America was anything but straightforward. Czech Republic’s journey from Faroe Islands heartbreak to World Cup qualification is one of the most remarkable turnaround stories of the entire 2026 cycle.
Previous coach Ivan Hasek was sacked after a humiliating 2-1 defeat to the Faroe Islands in qualifying. Miroslav Koubek was appointed in December 2025 and immediately delivered – securing their return to the World Cup in dramatic style, beating the Republic of Ireland and then Denmark in the playoffs, both in penalty shootouts.
Remarkably those playoff games were Czechia’s first under Koubek – meaning he coached exactly two competitive matches before reaching the World Cup.
Best ever World Cup finish
As Czechoslovakia, the nation reached the World Cup final twice – in 1934 and 1962 – finishing as runners-up on both occasions. As the independent Czech Republic, their best international performance came at the 1996 European Championship where they reached the final before losing to Germany on a golden goal.
At the World Cup specifically, the Czech Republic reached the quarter-finals in 1990 as Czechoslovakia. Their most recent World Cup appearance in 2006 ended in the group stage.
Iconic moments
Karel Poborsky’s outrageous chip against Portugal at Euro 1996 remains one of the most celebrated goals in Czech football history – a moment that announced the nation’s golden generation to the world.
More recently, Patrik Schick’s extraordinary long-range goal against Scotland at Euro 2020 – struck from inside his own half after spotting the goalkeeper off his line – became one of the most viral moments in tournament football history and a reminder that Czech football retains the capacity for the spectacular.
Players to watch
Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen) – All eyes are on Patrik Schick, the Bayer Leverkusen striker and the team’s main attacking threat. His ability to convert limited chances makes him essential in a system that values efficiency over volume.
He scored four goals in qualifying and arrives at his second World Cup with a point to prove.
Tomas Soucek (West Ham United) – Among the most experienced players in the squad and one of the most recognisable Czech players in Europe. A powerful box-to-box midfielder with an eye for goal who provides the physical backbone of the team.
Ladislav Krejci (Wolves) – The captain has an impressive five goals and two assists in 25 games for Czechia. A composed and commanding centre-back who leads the defensive organisation that has been central to Koubek’s philosophy.
Fixtures
11 Jun: South Korea vs Czech Republic – Estadio Akron, Guadalajara – 05:00 SAST
18 Jun: Czech Republic vs South Africa – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 19:00 SAST
24 Jun: Czech Republic vs Mexico – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City – 04:00 SAST
Photo: REUTERS/David W Cerny/File Photo
