Miroslav Koubek, the Czech Republic national team manager, has announced his final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup following a 2-1 friendly victory over Kosovo on Sunday afternoon. This marks the Czech Republic’s first World Cup appearance in two decades, adding pressure to perform better than previous teams.
The squad features Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Pavel Šulc, who will be looking to make an impact on the international stage after a season in Ligue 1. West Ham United’s Tomáš Souček is also included, despite his club’s recent relegation to the Championship. Patrik Schick is expected to lead the Czech attack, carrying the hopes of the nation.
Pavel Bucha, Tomáš Ladra – who scored against Kosovo – and Christophe Kabongo have been cut from the initial 29-man list to reach the final squad size. Koubek made the difficult decisions after assessing the players’ performances in preparation matches and considering tactical balance.
The Czech Republic will be hoping to make a significant impression at the tournament, aiming to progress beyond the group stages and compete with established footballing nations. The inclusion of experienced players like Souček alongside emerging talents like Šulc suggests a blend of experience and youth within the squad. This squad selection signifies the start of the Czech Republic’s World Cup campaign, with expectations building among fans and analysts alike.
