In 2026, Czechia finally returns to the World Cup stage after a 20-year break.
Their last appearance was in 2006 in Germany, and an entire generation of Czech football supporters has been waiting for this moment ever since.
The best soccer players from Czechia include legends like Petr Čech, Josef Bican, and Antonín Panenka, plus modern stars who keep the flag flying across the top leagues in Europe.
Under coach Miroslav Koubek, the Czechs are drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea, making for one of the most intriguing groups at the entire tournament.
Nobody is picking them as dark horses to win, but nobody wants to face Schick, Souček, and company in a decisive match either.
Here are the 10 best soccer players in Czech Republic at the 2026 World Cup.
1. Patrik Schick — Forward
Age: 30 | Club: Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
Czechia’s most important player and the man the entire attack is built around.
Schick scored 16 Bundesliga goals in the 2025/26 season, finishing as Leverkusen’s top scorer and placing sixth in the entire league’s scoring charts.
He reached 100 goals for Bayer Leverkusen during the season, a milestone that underlines just how clinical he has been for the club.
His hat-trick against RB Leipzig in May 2026 was the kind of performance that reminded everyone what he is capable of at his best.
With 26 international goals in 53 caps, he is the greatest Czech striker of his generation and arrives at this World Cup in fine form.
His rocket of a goal against Scotland at Euro 2020 — one of the greatest goals in European Championship history — is all you need to know about the quality Schick brings to any tournament.
2. Tomáš Souček — Midfielder
Age: 31 | Club: West Ham United (England)
The heartbeat of Czech football and the most experienced player in the squad.
Souček has been captain of the Czech Republic since 2021 and brings 90 caps and 17 international goals to this tournament — an extraordinary record for a defensive midfielder.
He became the Premier League’s all-time leading Czech goalscorer in February 2026, overtaking the legendary Patrik Berger.
He is combative, dominant in the air, and always arrives at the right moment in the box to score crucial goals.
He is one of the footballers who wear the number 28 jersey.
Despite West Ham suffering relegation from the Premier League, Souček’s individual performances throughout the season were consistently strong, and his quality and experience are beyond question at this level.
He will be the engine that drives Czech Republic through this tournament.
3. Matěj Kovář — Goalkeeper
Age: 26 | Club: PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)
The most exciting goalkeeper in Czech football and the undisputed first choice for Miroslav Koubek.
Kovář developed through Manchester United’s academy before joining Bayer Leverkusen, where he was part of their historic unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning squad in 2024.
He joined PSV on loan in July 2025 and impressed enough that the Dutch club signed him on a permanent deal in January 2026 on a contract until 2030.
At 6ft 5in, he is commanding in the air, confident with the ball at his feet, and has the kind of composure that gives the entire backline confidence.
At just 26, Kovář has his peak years ahead of him, and this World Cup is his chance to show the world what Czech goalkeeping looks like at its best.
4. Adam Hložek — Forward
Age: 23 | Club: TSG Hoffenheim (Germany)
The most naturally gifted young attacker in Czech football and one of the brightest talents in the Bundesliga.
Hložek has been a regular contributor in the Bundesliga with TSG Hoffenheim and is developing into a genuinely dangerous wide forward with an eye for goal.
He has 5 international goals from 43 caps — numbers that will only grow as he matures into the senior role Czechia need him to fill.
At 23 and heading to his first World Cup, this is a massive opportunity for Hložek to announce himself on the global stage.
5. Ladislav Krejčí — Defender (Captain)
Age: 27 | Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers (England)
The captain of Czech Republic and one of the most dependable defenders in the Premier League.
Krejčí plays his club football at Wolverhampton Wanderers in England and brings a level of consistent, professional defending that gives Miroslav Koubek a reliable foundation to build on.
He is composed on the ball, aggressive in the tackle, and reads the game intelligently for someone still in the early years of his peak.
At 27, he is exactly the right age to captain a side at a first World Cup in two decades.
6. Vladimír Coufal — Defender
Age: 33 | Club: TSG Hoffenheim (Germany)
One of Czech football’s most experienced and reliable servants, with 62 caps and a decade of top-level European football behind him.
Coufal was a fan favourite during his time at West Ham United before moving to TSG Hoffenheim in 2025.
He is an energetic, attacking right-back who never stops running and has been one of the most consistent performers in this Czech squad over many years.
His experience of big tournaments and elite club football makes him invaluable for a side returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2006.
7. Lukáš Provod — Midfielder
Age: 29 | Club: Slavia Prague (Czech Republic)
One of the most technically polished midfielders in Czech football and a key creative force in this squad.
Provod has been outstanding for Slavia Prague — the reigning Czech champions — for several seasons and his ability to carry the ball forward and link midfield and attack is crucial to how Czech Republic play.
He has 38 caps and 3 international goals and brings intelligence and craft to a midfield that needs both qualities.
8. Pavel Šulc — Forward/Midfielder
Age: 25 | Club: Olympique Lyon (France)
One of the most exciting attacking talents in the Czech squad and the only player in the group playing in Ligue 1.
Šulc made the move to Lyon and has brought his direct, dynamic style to one of France’s biggest clubs.
He can play across the attacking line and offers Koubek a different kind of forward — fast, direct, and capable of creating chances out of nothing.
With 5 international goals from 21 caps, he is one of the most efficient attacking contributors in the squad.
9. Vladimír Darida — Midfielder
Age: 35 | Club: Hradec Králové (Czech Republic)
Czech football’s most experienced active midfielder and a player who has served his country with distinction for well over a decade.
Darida has 79 caps and 8 international goals, and his technical quality, game intelligence, and leadership make him an important voice in this dressing room.
At 35, he is in the veteran category but brings a level of calm and tactical awareness that younger players simply cannot replicate.
His presence allows the squad to play with composure in big moments.
10. Hugo Sochůrek — Midfielder
Age: 18 | Club: Sparta Prague (Czech Republic)
The youngest player at the entire 2026 World Cup from the Czech squad and one of the most fascinating stories at the tournament.
Sochůrek was born on June 7, 2008, and was selected by Koubek with just 1 senior cap to his name — meaning this World Cup could be his senior international debut.
The Sparta Prague teenager is technically gifted, brave on the ball, and plays with a freedom and fearlessness that is rare for someone his age.
He is the face of Czech football’s next generation, and a tournament on the biggest stage in the sport is an extraordinary opportunity for an 18-year-old.
If he plays, he will become the second-youngest player at the entire 2026 World Cup behind Mexico’s Gilberto Mora.
Conclusion
Czech Republic may not be the flashiest team in North America, but they are organised, experienced, and have genuine match-winners in Schick and Souček.
After 20 years away from the World Cup, the hunger in this squad is undeniable.
