Czech Republic at the 2026 World Cup

Czech Republic arrive at the 2026 World Cup carrying the hopes of a footballing nation that has always punched with ambition if not always with consistent results on the grandest stage. Ranked 48th in the world by FIFA, Ivan Hasek's side qualified through the UEFA pathway and now find themselves in Group A, where they will need to be organised, resolute and clinical to make any meaningful impression. This is a squad that blends experienced club professionals with a promising younger generation, and while a deep run would represent a considerable achievement, the Czechs are not travelling to North America simply to make up the numbers.

Group A context

Landing in Group A presents Czech Republic with a clearly defined challenge. The group stage at a World Cup is always unforgiving, and for a side ranked 48th in the world, navigating three matches without conceding in the opening exchanges of the tournament could prove decisive. The Czechs will need to be tactically disciplined from the very first whistle, since a slow start in a competitive group could extinguish their prospects before the tournament truly gets going. However, they are no strangers to performing under pressure in knockout-style situations, having been tested repeatedly through UEFA qualifying. Hasek will want his side to be compact, well-organised and capable of exploiting any opportunities that arise, particularly on the counter-attack where their pace and technical quality in the final third can genuinely hurt opponents.

Manager: Ivan Hasek

Ivan Hasek is a figure of considerable standing in Czech football, both as a former international player and as the man now charged with guiding the national side. His appointment brought a sense of renewed identity and purpose to the squad, and he has worked to instil a clear tactical framework while fostering a strong team spirit. Hasek is pragmatic in his approach, understanding that Czech Republic cannot simply out-talent many of their rivals at this level, and so his teams tend to be well-structured and difficult to break down. He has shown a willingness to blood younger players alongside experienced campaigners, and that balance is reflected in the squad he has assembled for this tournament. How well he manages the squad across what could be a physically and emotionally demanding few weeks in North America will be one of the key factors in determining how far the Czechs progress.

Squad and key players

Czech Republic's squad is a thoughtful blend of Premier League experience, Bundesliga knowhow and some genuinely exciting younger talent emerging from clubs across Europe. Tomáš Souček remains the beating heart of the midfield, while Patrik Schick carries enormous expectation as the focal point of the attack. Behind them, a group of well-drilled defenders and technically capable midfielders give Hasek genuine options across the pitch. The goalkeeping department is also strong, with Matej Kovar of PSV Eindhoven offering real quality between the posts. There is enough here to be competitive in Group A, provided the squad stays fit and Hasek can get his best eleven on the pitch at the right moments.

• Tomáš Souček (Midfielder) The West Ham United midfielder is the engine of the Czech midfield, combining physical presence with technical quality and an eye for goal. His experience at Premier League level makes him one of the most reliable performers in this squad.
• Patrik Schick (Forward) The Bayer Leverkusen striker is the most recognisable name in Czech football and the focal point of their attacking ambitions. When fit and in form, Schick is capable of scoring goals at the very highest level, as he has demonstrated in both club and international football.
• Matej Kovar (Goalkeeper) The PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper brings strong club form and considerable composure to the number one shirt. At 26, he has the potential to be one of the best goalkeepers at this tournament and his performances could prove pivotal.
• Adam Hlozek (Forward) The 1899 Hoffenheim forward is one of Czech football's most exciting young talents, offering pace, directness and a maturity beyond his 23 years. He provides Hasek with a genuine attacking threat from wide areas.
• Adam Karabec (Midfielder) The Lyon midfielder is among the more intriguing creative talents in this squad, with the technical ability to unlock defences in tight spaces. At 22, he arrives at his first World Cup with little pressure and plenty of potential.
• Ladislav Krejci (Defender) The Girona defender has impressed consistently at club level and brings composure and quality in possession to the Czech backline. His ability to play out from the back suits Hasek's preferred style.

Tactical outlook

Ivan Hasek tends to set his Czech Republic side up in a shape that prioritises defensive solidity without sacrificing the ability to transition quickly into attack. A back four, protected by the industry of Souček and the midfield unit around him, has been the foundation upon which the team operates. Wide players are expected to contribute defensively as well as provide an outlet going forward, and Hlozek in particular offers a dynamic presence on the break. Schick leads the line and benefits from the creativity that players such as Karabec and Pavel Sulc can provide. The Czechs are not a team that will seek to dominate possession against stronger opponents, but they are well-drilled in pressing at the right moments and making themselves extremely difficult to play through. Set pieces, both defensively and as an offensive weapon, are also an area where this group can cause problems, given the physicality of Souček and the quality available at dead-ball situations.

Route through the tournament

For Czech Republic, the most realistic ambition is to progress from Group A and reach the knockout rounds. Achieving that would already represent a significant success given their FIFA ranking and the competitive nature of the group. Should they advance, a round-of-sixteen appearance would allow the squad to gain momentum and confidence, and at that stage, anything becomes possible in a knockout tie. The Czechs have historically shown a capacity to compete with stronger nations over a single match, and Hasek will be preparing his side for precisely that eventuality. A quarter-final run would be an exceptional achievement, but reaching the last sixteen in what is a difficult group is the foundation upon which any longer journey must be built. Much will depend on fitness, early results and whether Schick can reproduce his best form across multiple matches.

Title outlook

Czech Republic are not among the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup, and it would be unrealistic to suggest otherwise given their FIFA ranking of 48 and the depth of quality present elsewhere in the tournament. The title conversation will almost certainly involve nations with greater resources, stronger squads and deeper tournament pedigree. That said, Hasek's side deserves credit for qualifying and for assembling a squad with genuine quality in key positions. The aim for this group is to compete with pride, represent their nation well and, if the results go their way in Group A, cause an upset or two in the knockout rounds. A place in the last sixteen would be celebrated at home, and anything beyond that would be a remarkable story.

Related guides

• Czech Republic at the World Cup, full history.
• Group A fixtures and standings.
• World Cup 2026 hub.