CZE

Czech Republic

Eliminated in the group stage

Finished 4th in Group A

The Czech Republic came back to the World Cup after 20 years away, their first since 2006.

Sadly the return was one to forget, as they finished at the bottom of Group A with just 1 point.

They are out at the group stage, and the long-awaited comeback never really got going.

Czech Republic's 2026 World Cup matches

Manager: Miroslav Koubek

The Czech Republic waited 20 years to be back at a World Cup, and then it slipped away fast.

Their last appearance was 2006, so the whole country was desperate for this to go well.

It started with the worst kind of result, a 2-1 loss to South Korea after they had actually led the game.

Then they steadied a little, drawing 1-1 with South Africa to grab their only point of the tournament.

But any hope was crushed on the final day, a 0-3 defeat to co-host Mexico that left them bottom.

So one draw and two losses meant 1 point and last place in Group A, a tournament to forget.

Patrik Schick, the powerful striker from Bayer Leverkusen, never got the service to hurt anyone.

Tomas Soucek of West Ham worked hard in midfield, but there was not enough quality around him.

New coach Miroslav Koubek is only a few months into the job, so he will have to rebuild from here.

After 20 years of waiting, the mood is flat disappointment, and now the long wait to get back starts again.

Last 12 months before the tournament. Source: international match records.

Czech Republic were in Group A with Mexico, South Africa and South Korea. They finished 4th in the group.

Czech Republic are managed by Miroslav Koubek.

Czech Republic's best World Cup result is Group stage.

No, Czech Republic were knocked out in the group stage, finishing 4th in Group A.

Czech Republic are ranked 35 in the FIFA world rankings.