How far can Czech Republic progress at the 2026 World Cup?
The Czech Republic's class of 2026 does not boast many star names, but Miroslav Koubek's group are competitive, hard to break down and effective in tight contests. That resilience was evident in qualifying as they won two play-off ties on penalties including against fancied Denmark. Their opening fixture at 2026 World Cup against South Korea could shape the group and victory there would leave them in a strong position to claim a top-two place in Group A. They should also have too much for South Africa, leaving qualification in sight heading into the final group game against section favourites Mexico. If they progress as runners-up, a round of 32 tie with Group B's second-placed side awaits.
Our prediction: Stage of elimination - Round of 32 - 6/5
*all odds correct at time of publishing
Czech Republic World Cup odds
Outright Winner - 300/1
To Reach Final - 100/1
To Reach Semi-Final - 28/1
To Reach Quarter-Final - 9/1
To Reach Last 16 - 9/4
Group A Winner - 7/2
Group A Qualify - 33/100
Czech Republics's group stage fixtures:
12 JUN - 03:00 - South Korea vs Czechia
18 JUN - 17:00 - Czechia vs South Africa
25 JUN - 02:00 - Czechia vs Mexico
Czech Republic bet builder scouting report
Player Carded
Tomas Soucek’s aggressive style and lack of pace is likely to see the midfielder commit plenty of fouls and draw some unwanted attention from referees as a result.
Shots
Patrik Schick took 3.5 shots per match in World Cup qualifying and the rangy striker will once again carry the bulk of the Czech Republic's goalscoring burden at the finals.
Shots On Target
Patrik Schick will bear the brunt of the goalscoring responsibility for the Czechs this summer. He averaged 1.5 shots on target per game for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga this season and achieved a similar figure during World Cup qualifying.
Assists
Right-back Vladimir Coufal registered eight assists for club side Hoffenheim this season and his delivery from dead-ball situations could be key for the Czechs, who boast a number of aerial threats.
Fouls Committed
Tomas Soucek is a key player in midfield for the Czechs and his competitive nature saw him concede 1.5 fouls per 90 minutes of Premier League action for West Ham this season. That figure rose to 2.1 in World Cup qualifying.
Predicted Czech Republic Line-up
Formation - 5-4-1
Shirt number | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
1 | M. Kovář | Goalkeeper |
5 | V. Coufal | Defender (RWB) |
6 | Š. Chaloupek | Defender (CB) |
4 | R. Hranáč | Defender (CB) |
7 | L. Krejčí | Defender (CB) |
20 | J. Zelený | Defender (LWB) |
17 | L. Provod | Midfielder (LM) |
22 | T. Souček | Midfielder (CM) |
8 | V. Darida | Midfielder (CM) |
15 | P. Šulc | Midfielder (RM) |
10 | P. Schick | Forward (ST) |
Full Czech Republic team
Position | Player |
|---|---|
GK | J. Staněk |
GK | L. Horníček |
GK | M. Kovář |
DF | D. Jurásek |
DF | L. Krejčí |
DF | V. Coufal |
DF | R. Hranáč |
DF | D. Zima |
DF | J. Zelený |
DF | T. Holeš |
DF | Š. Chaloupek |
MF | H. Sochůrek |
MF | L. Červ |
MF | P. Šulc |
MF | V. Darida |
MF | L. Provod |
MF | D. Višinský |
MF | T. Souček |
MF | A. Sojka |
MF | M. Sadílek |
MF | D. Douděra |
FW | J. Kuchta |
FW | T. Chorý |
FW | P. Schick |
FW | M. Chytil |
FW | A. Hložek |
South Korea Team Rating
Attribute | Rating |
|---|---|
Overall | 64 |
WC Record | 72 |
Squad Depth | 61 |
Form | 60 |
Defence | 67 |
Goalkeeper | 69 |
Midfield | 61 |
Manager | 60 |
Attack | 64 |
Star Player | 68 |
See all World Cup 2026 fixtures and group tables.
More World Cup 2026 news and predictions from LiveScore
