Czech National Team Announces Preliminary Squad for the 2026 World Cup
It is the Czech Republic’s first World Cup appearance in 20 years
Foto: Česká fotbalová reprezentace
The Czech Republic is set to return to the FIFA World Cup after 20 years. The Czech Football Association (FAČR) has now published the preliminary World Cup squad featuring 54 players. Also included are two Slavia Prague players who have been making headlines and sparking nationwide debate since the escalated Prague “S” derby.
The Czech Football Association (FAČR) has published the national team’s preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The extended list includes a total of 54 players. The final 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada will later be selected from this group.
Also included in the extended squad are Slavia players defender David Douděra and striker Tomáš Chorý. Both received red cards in Saturday’s Prague “S” derby against Sparta Prague. The match was abandoned early following a pitch invasion by Slavia supporters and attacks on visiting players.
The red cards, along with previous disciplinary issues, ultimately proved costly for both players. They were removed from the first-team squad of SK Slavia Praha by the club’s management. In addition, both were granted permission to leave the club in the summer. Club chairman Jaroslav Tvrdík stated that neither player will represent Slavia again in the future. Football fans across the country are currently debating whether both should travel to the World Cup.
Foto: Pavel Šulc & Ladislav Krejčí | Česká fotbalová reprezentace
Stars from Numerous International Clubs Included
The Czech Republic has several strong footballers in its ranks — something also reflected by the international clubs the national team players represent. These include striker Pavel Šulc (Olympique Lyon), striker Patrik Schick (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), midfielder Adam Karabec (Olympique Lyon), defender Ladislav Krejčí (Wolverhampton Wanderers), or goalkeeper Matěj Kovář (PSV Eindhoven).
According to the association, the preliminary squad was compiled in close cooperation between the sporting leadership, national team coach Miroslav Koubek and other senior Czech football officials. FAČR president David Trunda stated that both sporting performances and team-related factors were considered during the selection process. The list had to be submitted to FIFA by 11 May.
Foto: Matěj Kovář | Česká fotbalová reprezentace
Czech Republic Back at the World Cup After 20 Years
The Czech national team will be represented at a World Cup for the first time in two decades. Following their victory over Denmark in the World Cup play-off final in Prague, Miroslav Koubek’s side will face South Korea, South Africa and hosts Mexico in the group stage of the tournament in June.
Schedule Leading Up to the Opening Match Against South Korea in Guadalajara
The national team will gather in Prague on 28 May for its final preparations. Three days later, the team will play a farewell match against Kosovo at Prague’s epet ARENA in front of a home crowd.
The Czech side will then travel directly to the United States. The final warm-up match before the tournament is scheduled for 4 June in New Jersey. According to the association, the opponent is expected to be officially confirmed in the coming days.
The Czech Republic will play its opening World Cup match against South Korea on 12 June in Guadalajara, Mexico. This will be followed by matches against South Africa on 18 June in Atlanta and hosts Mexico on 25 June in Mexico City.
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