Czechia enters World Cup as dark horse with 71-year-old manager at helm
Czechia’s national football team enters the 2026 World Cup as the tournament’s dark horse, led by the oldest manager in the competition’s history and a rejuvenated squad that clawed its way to North America through dramatic late qualifiers. Miroslav Koubek, 71, will take charge when the team kicks off its campaign on June 11, instantly breaking the record for the oldest World Cup manager—a title he will hold the moment Czechia’s first match begins, according to *Prague Morning* .
The team’s qualification was far from smooth. After a sluggish start in UEFA Group L, Czechia turned to Koubek in December 2025, sparking a turnaround that culminated in playoff victories over the Republic of Ireland and Denmark. Their reward: a place in Group A, where a Round of 32 berth is considered a realistic target. Centre back Ladislav Krejčí, now captain following Tomáš Souček’s removal from the role, has emerged as the team’s standout performer, contributing five goals and two assists in 25 appearances for his country.
This World Cup marks Czechia’s first appearance since 2006, ending a two-decade absence from the global stage. Their best historical finish—a quarter-final run in 1990—remains a benchmark, though the current squad lacks the star power of past generations. Instead, Koubek’s pragmatic approach and the team’s resilience in qualification have fueled cautious optimism.
Czechia’s path to the knockout stages will hinge on their ability to navigate Group A, where they face two co-hosts (the United States and Canada) and one of the tournament’s smallest nations, Curaçao. The group is tightly contested, with all four teams eyeing a second-place finish to advance.
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