The Czech Republic compete in Group One of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Record:
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UEFA Euro runners-up in 1996
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Best World Cup finish: 2006 (eliminated in group stage)
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FIFA ranking: 41
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Last World Cup appearance: 2006
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Nickname: Národní tým (The National Team)
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Top clubs: Slavia Prague, Sparta Prague, Viktoria Plzeň
Qualification: Having finished second in their qualifying group behind Croatia, the Czech Republic only confirmed their place in March, winning both play-off matches. Against Ireland, they overturned a two-goal deficit before winning on penalties thanks to two saves from goalkeeper Matěj Kovář. Five days later, the PSV Eindhoven keeper again proved decisive in the shoot-out against Denmark, sending the Czech Republic to only their second World Cup since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993.
Coach: Before the two penalty shoot-out wins in the play-offs, the Czech team had endured a turbulent autumn. After a humiliating 2–1 loss to the Faroe Islands in October, coach Ivan Hašek was dismissed. Miroslav Koubek was appointed in December. The 74-year-old former goalkeeper has managed numerous Czech league clubs, including Viktoria Plzeň between 2023 and 2025. By securing World Cup qualification, he has already delivered on his mission.
Star player: Pavel Šulc established himself immediately in French football, scoring 11 goals in Ligue 1 in his first season with Lyon. A combative attacking midfielder who sometimes filled in as a centre-forward before Brazil's Endrick arrived in the January transfer window, Šulc was one of the key players in a fine season for Olympique Lyonnais, who finished fourth despite a thin squad. Having suffered thigh and knee injuries during the spring, the 25-year-old No. 10 will need to recover the form he showed in winter for the World Cup, where he is expected to play as a second striker alongside Patrik Schick or as a linking midfielder.
Ambitions: Šulc told AFP: "The first ambition is to qualify for the second round." He sees this as achievable in a group alongside Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea — which he describes as "a good group" without "a big team."