Czech Republic names 26-player World Cup squad including 17-year-old midfielder

The Czech Republic named its final 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup on Sunday after a 2-1 warmup victory over Kosovo. Sparta Prague midfielder Hugo Sochůrek entered the match as a substitute and became the youngest player to appear for the national team. Coach Miroslav Koubek then reduced an initial group of 29 players to the final roster.

Squad changes Three players from the preliminary list did not make the final selection. Attacking midfielder Adam Hložek returned after recovering from calf and foot injuries and scored in the match. Koubek also added two Slavia Prague players who had been suspended by their club for disciplinary reasons.

Tournament details The team is scheduled to depart for the United States later Sunday and will play another warmup against Guatemala on June 4 in New Jersey. The Czech Republic qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2006. The team will be based in Mansfield, Texas, and opens the tournament against South Korea on June 11 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

“Probably the worst moment of my coaching career.”