The Czech Republic national football team plans to use a physical and combative style to progress from Group A at the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Coach Miroslav Koubek, 74, took charge after a shock qualifying loss to the Faroe Islands and led the team through playoffs to secure their spot at the tournament. The Czechs have not appeared in a World Cup since 2006 [1, 2].
Koubek has implemented a pragmatic, defense-first approach featuring deep defending, disciplined marking, and reliance on height during set pieces. Quick counter-attacks and structured set plays are central to their tactics. Analyst Stanislav Levy said, "I don't expect an attractive style of play from the team but rather disciplined and combative play focused on quick counter-attacks and set pieces." He added, "That approach isn't pretty to watch but it could be the key to advancing out of the group" [1].
The squad has undergone changes under Koubek. Tomas Soucek, West Ham midfielder and former captain, was benched early in Koubek’s tenure after losing the captaincy in November due to players' conduct following a 6-0 win over Gibraltar. Soucek later returned to the starting lineup for the playoff final win over Denmark. Veteran midfielder Vladimir Darida, 35, also earned a recall after a strong domestic season [1, 2].
Key attacking threats include striker Patrik Schick, who was joint top scorer at Euro 2020, Hoffenheim striker Adam Hlozek returning from injury, and attacking midfielder Pavel Sulc, who has scored 11 goals and provided 3 assists in Ligue 1 this season. The defense is anchored by Wolverhampton centre back Ladislav Krejci, Hoffenheim’s Vladimir Coufal, and PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Matej Kovar [1, 2].
The Czech Republic's first World Cup match is scheduled for June 11 against South Korea, followed by games against South Africa and Mexico in Group A [1, 2]. A detailed report on the team’s strategy and squad was published on June 1 [1, 2].