The Czech Republic, South Korea's first group-stage opponent at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America under head coach Hong Myung-bo, has unveiled its final 26-man squad for the tournament.
The Football Association of the Czech Republic announced the final 26-man roster for the 2026 North American World Cup through its official website on the 31st (local time).
The Czech FA had previously released a 29-man preliminary list on the 21st of last month. Head coach Miroslav Koubek finalized the squad after a 2-1 victory over Kosovo in a friendly held in Prague, dropping three players from the preliminary list.
Of the 26 players, 17 are based in the Czech domestic league. Notably, 10 of them play together for Slavia Prague, regarded as the country's strongest club, in what is seen as a move to maximize team cohesion.
The squad also features players competing in Europe's top leagues, headlined by forward Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen), who plays in Germany's Bundesliga, and midfielder Tomas Soucek (West Ham), the country's all-time appearance leader with 89 caps. Other notable selections include midfielder Pavel Sulc (Lyon), defenders Ladislav Krejci (Wolverhampton), Vladimir Coufal and Robin Hranac, and forward Adam Hlozek (all Hoffenheim).
The team boasts formidable height, with the inclusion of tall players such as Soucek (192cm), Schick (191cm) and Hlozek (188cm).
Also drawing attention is the surprise selection of 17-year-old midfielder Hugo Soureka (Sparta Prague), who made his senior international debut in the friendly against Kosovo just before the final roster announcement.
"It was a decision made with a heavy heart after much deliberation. It was the most difficult moment of my coaching career," Koubek said. "I had to tell three players that they could not come with us. It was a decision reached after long discussions and analysis of pros and cons."
"Our goal is to advance from the group stage no matter what," he added. "In the remaining period, we will focus on tactical training to refine the cohesion of both our offense and defense."
After finalizing its roster, the Czech national team will travel to the United States to play its final World Cup tune-up match against Guatemala in New Jersey on the 5th, local time.
The Czech Republic will face South Korea, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, in their opening match of Group A at the North American World Cup at 11 a.m. Korea time on the 12th in Guadalajara, Mexico.
