Czechia

Czechia return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2006, drawn into Group A with co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa. Competing under their shortened name for the first time at a World Cup (previously "Czech Republic"), this marks a new era for Czech football.

The group is difficult but navigable. Mexico at home in Azteca is the toughest fixture, but South Korea and South Africa are opponents Czechia can compete with on even terms.

Why this group matters: Czechia's 20-year World Cup absence has been painful for a nation that reached the Euro 2004 semifinal and boasts a rich football tradition. Qualifying for 2026 was a statement — now they need to prove they belong.

The South Korea opener is the pivotal match. A positive result sets up a winnable South Africa fixture on Matchday 2, with Mexico on the final day potentially already qualified.

Czechia / Czech Republic have appeared in 2 FIFA World Cups (as an independent nation since 1993):

• 2006: Group-stage exit despite a strong squad featuring Pavel Nedved, Tomas Rosicky, and Jan Koller. A 2-0 loss to Ghana sealed their fate.
• Best finish as Czech Republic: Group stage (2006)
• As Czechoslovakia: Runners-up in 1934 and 1962, making the combined history far more illustrious. The Czechoslovak side was a European powerhouse for decades.
• Euro success: Czechia reached the Euro 2004 semifinal and the Euro 1996 final, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level in tournament football.

The 20-year World Cup drought has been a source of frustration for Czech fans, who watched their team qualify for multiple European Championships but repeatedly fall short in World Cup qualifiers.

Miroslav Koubek leads Czechia into their first World Cup since 2006. The former Czech international has rebuilt the squad with a blend of experienced Bundesliga and Premier League players alongside emerging domestic talents.

Hasek favors a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation that maximizes Czechia's aerial strength and allows Soucek to influence games from box to box. The system is built on defensive organization, set-piece prowess, and direct transitions through Schick and Hlozek.

His approach is pragmatic — Czechia will not try to outpass elite teams but will be physically competitive and dangerous from dead balls. Against South Korea's high line, this direct style could be effective.

Czech football fans bring a Central European intensity that combines passion with tactical knowledge. Beer is central to Czech culture — the country has the highest per-capita beer consumption in the world — and the pre-match pub culture is legendary.

• Traveling support: Czech fans have a strong reputation at European Championships for creating atmosphere. Expect a dedicated contingent to make the trip to Mexico.
• Pub culture: In Prague and across Czechia, fans gather in beer halls and outdoor screenings. The social aspect of watching together is deeply ingrained.
• National pride: After 20 years without a World Cup, qualification has reignited national interest. This team carries the weight of a nation's expectations.

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: Czechia are the classic "dark horse" — a technically solid European team returning to the World Cup after two decades away. Patrik Schick can score spectacular goals, Tomas Soucek adds midfield muscle, and the storyline of a 20-year absence adds emotional stakes to every match.

Czechia's ceiling depends heavily on the South Korea match on opening day. A win there puts them in strong position to finish second; a loss makes advancement difficult with Mexico still to play.

Prediction: Round of 32. Czechia have the quality to finish second or third in Group A, with advancement as a third-place team being the most likely route to the knockout rounds. A Round of 32 victory is possible, but the Round of 16 is likely their ceiling.