Czechia arrive at the 2026 World Cup carrying the weight of a long and fractured history. Counting appearances as Czechoslovakia, this is their 10th World Cup and only their second as the independent Czech Republic. Czechoslovakia reached two finals, losing to hosts Italy in 1934 and to Brazil in 1962, and those remain the high water marks of this footballing lineage. The post split nation made 2006 and crashed out in the group stage, then went two decades without qualifying. No titles, two silvers, and a long wait define the story.

The road to 2026 was turbulent. Czechia finished second in UEFA qualifying Group L behind Croatia, then suffered one of their most embarrassing moments when they lost two goals to one to the Faroe Islands, a result that cost coach Ivan Hasek his job. Veteran Miroslav Koubek, 74 years old, took over in December 2025 and was handed the playoff path immediately. On 03/26/26 in Prague, Czechia drew two goals to two with the Republic of Ireland and won four goals to three on penalties. Five days later, they drew two goals to two with Denmark and held their nerve again, winning the shootout three goals to one. Koubek had coached exactly two competitive matches before reaching the World Cup.