Czechia World Cup 2026 Preliminary Squad Includes Soucek

Czechia World Cup 2026 preliminary squad selection is now public, with Tomas Soucek included in a 54-player pool. Miroslav Koubek named the wider group before Czechia return to the tournament after a 20-year absence. The squad gives the coach options before FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A begins.

The Czech Republic open against South Korea on June 12. They then face Mexico and South Africa. Koubek will cut the long list after camp work and fitness checks.

Czechia Return With A Large Preliminary Pool

Czechia named seven goalkeepers, 15 defenders, 20 midfielders, and 12 forwards. The list leans on experienced national-team players while keeping room for domestic-league form. Soucek remains the most recognizable midfield name.

Koubek took charge after a damaging qualification defeat to the Faroe Islands. He then pushed Czechia through the playoffs and ended their long World Cup wait. The preliminary squad gives him enough cover for a demanding preparation period.

Full Czechia Preliminary Squad List

Goalkeepers

Lukas Hornicek, Martin Jedlicka, Antonin Kinsky, Jan Koutny, Matej Kovar, Jakub Markovic, Jindrich Stanek.

Defenders

Vladimir Coufal, David Doudera, Matej Hadas, Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Stepan Chaloupek, Vaclav Jemelka, David Jurasek, Ladislav Krejci, Karel Spacil, Adam Sevinsky, Martin Vitik, Tomas Vlcek, Jaroslav Zeleny, David Zima.

Midfielders

Lukas Ambros, Michal Beran, Pavel Bucha, Lukas Cerv, Krystof Danek, Vladimir Darida, Patrik Hellebrand, Adam Karabec, Ondrej Kricfalusi, Tomas Ladra, David Planka, Lukas Provod, Matej Rynes, Lukas Sadilek, Michal Sadilek, Hugo Sochurek, Alexandr Sojka, Tomas Soucek, Pavel Sulc, Denis Visinsky.

Forwards

Adam Hlozek, Tomas Chory, Mojmir Chytil, Christophe Kabongo, Jan Kliment, Jan Kuchta, Vasil Kusej, Ondrej Mihalik, Vojtech Patrak, Vaclav Sejk, Patrik Schick, Matej Vydra.

Group A Schedule Sets A Clear Target

Czechia’s first match against South Korea gives Koubek an early test of tempo and transition defending. Mexico bring home-country pressure and crowd energy later in the group. South Africa add pace and direct running.

The Group A table should reward teams that start fast. Czechia cannot afford a slow opening match because third-place ranking could decide qualification. As a result, the first cut must protect balance and set-piece strength.

Soucek Leads The Senior Core

Soucek gives Czechia aerial threat, defensive range, and tournament know-how. Vladimir Coufal, Ladislav Krejci, Patrik Schick, Adam Hlozek, and Matej Kovar add more senior quality. The list also gives younger players a late chance to claim roles.

The forward group has one of the toughest selection battles. Schick offers penalty-box finishing, while Hlozek and Chory bring different attacking profiles. Koubek must choose forwards who fit his pressing plan and set-piece routes.

Kosovo Friendly Comes Before New Jersey Camp

Czechia are scheduled to face Kosovo on May 31 in Prague. The team then leaves for a training camp in New Jersey. That camp should determine which players survive the last cut.

Fans can follow wider squad updates through Football News as final lists arrive. Czechia’s long list is useful because it names the real selection pool. The final roster will show how much Koubek trusts continuity.

Czechia’s return is no longer just a qualification story; the next step is proving the squad can handle Group A pressure.