Czechia

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Czechia's Road to FIFA World Cup 2026 Hinges on Playoff Gauntlet Under New Leadership

The Czech Republic national football team faces a challenging path to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having secured a playoff spot after finishing runner-up in Group L of the UEFA qualifiers behind Croatia. Their prospects are now under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Miroslav Koubek, who took the helm in December 2025.

Qualification Status and Playoff Challenge:

Czechia did not achieve direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concluding their Group L campaign in second place behind Croatia. This outcome means they must navigate the rigorous European playoffs in March 2026. Their playoff journey begins with a semi-final clash against Ireland. Should they emerge victorious, they will then face either Denmark or North Macedonia in a decisive match for a spot at the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Czechs have not qualified for the World Cup since 2006.

Recent Performance and Team Overview:

The team's performance in 2025 was marked by mixed results. While they secured notable victories against the Faroe Islands (2-0), Gibraltar (6-0), and Montenegro (1-0), they also experienced a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Faroe Islands and a heavy 5-1 defeat against group winners Croatia. Overall, in the WC Qualification Europe, Czech Republic holds a "Very Good" form with 6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, winning 60% of their matches. Their home form is strong with 4 wins and 2 draws, while their away form shows 2 wins and 2 losses.

The squad, with an average age of 26.7 years and an average height of 1.83m in 2025, features a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. Key players in 2025 have included goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros, versatile defensive midfielder and former captain Tomas Soucek, and promising younger players like Lukas Hornicek and Matej Kovar. Other notable contributors include Patrik Schick, Vladimír Coufal, Václav Černý, and Jaroslav Zelený.

Latest News and Coaching Change:

A significant development came on December 19, 2025, with the appointment of Miroslav Koubek, aged 74, as the new head coach. He replaced Ivan Hašek, who was dismissed following a surprising 2-1 defeat to the Faroe Islands during the qualifying campaign. Koubek has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, with his immediate priority being the crucial World Cup playoffs in March.

Adding to the team's recent challenges, a "clash with fans" occurred after a 6-0 victory over Gibraltar in November 2025. This incident led to the executive committee stripping Tomas Soucek of the captaincy for the subsequent match and withholding the squad's bonuses, citing the players' behavior overshadowing their on-pitch performance and qualification for the playoffs. The fan dissatisfaction stemmed from a "flat autumn run" that included a home draw with Saudi Arabia, the loss to the Faroe Islands, and an unconvincing friendly win against San Marino.

Analysis of Prospects:

Czechia's prospects for the 2026 World Cup appear to be at a critical juncture. The appointment of an experienced coach like Miroslav Koubek brings a fresh perspective and tactical approach, which will be vital in the high-stakes playoff matches. However, the recent internal issues, such as the dispute with fans and the stripping of the captaincy from a key player, could potentially affect team morale and cohesion.

Historically, the Czech Republic (and formerly Czechoslovakia) has had World Cup success, reaching the finals in 1934 and 1962. However, their last appearance was in 2006. The current squad possesses talent, with players like Tomas Soucek providing a strong presence in midfield and Patrik Schick offering a goal-scoring threat. The team's ability to overcome recent defensive vulnerabilities, which were highlighted by the heavy defeat to Croatia and the loss to the Faroe Islands, will be crucial.

The playoff draw presents a challenging but not insurmountable path. The initial match against Ireland will be a significant test, followed by a potential encounter with a strong Denmark side or a resilient North Macedonia. The Czechia team will need to harness their collective strength, adapt quickly to Koubek's strategies, and resolve any lingering internal issues to maximize their chances of securing a coveted spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.