The Czech national football team, known as the Czech Lions, head to the WC 2026 as twice runners-up as Czechoslovakia, returning to the tournament for the first time since 2006. Drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, Czechia will look to make their mark on the tournament. With the expanded 48-team format offering more opportunities than ever before, Czechia will be looking to take full advantage. The competition kicks off on 11 June and runs through 19 July across 16 stadiums in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

How Czechia Qualified for WC 2026

Czechia qualified through the UEFA Group L; UEFA Play-offs, finishing in 2nd in group, won play-offs with 16 points (5-3-2). Czechia secured WC 2026 qualification by winning two dramatic penalty shoot-out victories in the UEFA play-offs.

The qualifying campaign demonstrated the squad's resilience and competitive spirit. Under coach Miroslav Koubek, Czechia showed they have the quality to compete on the world stage. The FACR has invested in developing talent at all levels, and this the tournament represents the culmination of that work.

"Qualifying for the tournament was our primary objective. Now we want to show the world what Czech football is all about."

- Miroslav Koubek

Czechia's journey to the tournament reflects the growing competitiveness of international football. With the expanded 48-team format providing more places than ever, the tournament in North America represents an opportunity for Czechia to showcase their talent against the very best in the world. The team's supporters will be hoping for memorable performances across the group stage.

The qualification was a significant milestone for the Football Association of the Czechia. Playing in the UEFA confederation, Czechia demonstrated they have the quality and depth to compete on the biggest stage in world football.

Bet on Czechia at the WC 2026

Beyond the outright winner market, several betting options stand out for Czechia. The to qualify from group market offers value, while individual match result markets and anytime goalscorer bets provide more targeted opportunities. Use the BetBuilder to combine selections for Czechia's group matches.

Best Betting Markets for Czechia

Beyond the outright winner market, several betting options stand out for Czechia. The to qualify from group market offers the most accessible entry point. Individual match results, correct score and anytime goalscorer bets provide more targeted opportunities for each group match. Consider total goals over/under markets and both teams to score for added variety.

With 48 teams competing at the WC 2026 across 16 venues in the United States, Mexico and Canada, there are more betting opportunities than ever before. The expanded format means more group matches, more knockout rounds and more chances for upsets and memorable moments. Follow all the action and the latest odds for Czechia on Napoleon Sports.

How Far Can Czechia Go? Realistic Expectations

Czechia has qualified for the WC 2026, their first appearance since 2006. While they have a history of strong performances in European Championships, winning the tournament would be a significant surprise.

Follow Czechia on the Napoleon Sports App

The Napoleon Sports app gives you real-time access to all the tournament action, including every Czech match, live odds and squad updates.

Czechia's Squad for WC 2026

Czechia's final 26-man squad was announced by coach Miroslav Koubek ahead of the tournament. Below is the full squad plus selected profiles on key players.

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

Last 5 Matches: Czechia's Recent Form

Czechia in Group A: Schedule and Stadiums

Czechia have been drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic.

In the expanded WC 2026 format, the top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 32, with the eight best third-placed teams also qualifying. This means Czechia have multiple pathways to reach the knockout rounds, making every point in the group stage valuable.

Head-to-Head: Czechia vs. Group A Opponents

Czechia vs. Mexico: Czechia beat Korea Republic 5-0 in a friendly match on August 15, 2001.

Czechia vs. South Africa: Limited competitive history between these teams. Both will be looking to pick up points.

Czechia vs. Korea Republic: Mexico beat Czechoslovakia 3-1 in the 1962 the tournament Group Stage.

Czechia's Head Coach for WC 2026

Miroslav Koubek (Czech, born 1951) has been in charge since Dec 2025. Guided Viktoria Plzen to the Czech First League title and Czech Super Cup. coached several prominent Czech clubs. served as assistant to national team coach Karel Jarolím. His tactical approach emphasises defensive solidity and tactical discipline. His record with Czechia stands at 0-2-0.

Miroslav Koubek has implemented a clear tactical identity for Czechia. records pending This approach has helped the team build consistency and a strong collective spirit heading into the tournament.

The coaching appointment reflects a commitment to building a competitive squad for this the tournament. The preparation has been meticulous, with strategic friendlies and training camps designed to ensure Czechia arrive in North America fully prepared for the challenges ahead.

The Greatest Czechia Coaches in History

Karel Bruckner (2001-2008): Led Czechia to the Euro 2004 semi-finals with a golden generation featuring Pavel Nedved, Karel Poborsky and Jan Koller. Transformed the team into one of Europe's most entertaining sides.

Vaclav Jezek (1982): Guided Czechoslovakia to the 1962 the tournament final in Chile, where they lost to Brazil. His tactical approach laid the foundation for Czech football's technical tradition.

For more information about Czechia's football history, visit UEFA.

Czechia's Official Kits for WC 2026

Czechia's WC History and Records

Czechia have appeared at 10 the tournament(s) in the history of the tournament. Their best finish was RU x2.

Czechia at the 2022 World Cup

Czechia did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Memorable WC Moments

Memorable WC Moments

Oldřich Nejedlý's hat-trick in the 1934 semi-final against Germany was particularly thrilling.

In 1962, a late Adolf Scherer brace earned Czechoslovakia victory against Yugoslavia in the semi-finals.

Key Statistics

Czechia's all-time top scorer is Jan Koller with 55 goals. The most capped player is Petr Čech with 124 caps. Czechia has made 1 appearance as an independent nation (2006), and 10 appearances including the Czechoslovakia era.

FAQ: Czechia at the tournament

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