Czech Republic have returned to the World Cup after a 20-year wait.
The Czechs make just their second appearance as an independent nation (post-1993) after a pair of thrilling penalty shootout wins over the Republic of Ireland and Denmark in March.
The old Czechslovakia has a rich World Cup history, finishing as runner-ups twice, and that legacy hangs over the modern team, who are looking to make their mark this summer.
2006 saw a disappointing group stage exit and topping that will be the primary ambition. Though they didn’t get off to the best of starts against South Korea.
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Ladislav Krejci put his country in front with a bullet header from a throw-in, but the Czechs saw the Koreans make a comeback to win 2-1.
Czech Republic odds to win the World Cup
Unlike in the early-to-mid 2000s, this is not a Czech golden generation and their odds are not a surprise.
However, they have shown themselves to be more than capable when it matters most and their penalty prowess could come in handy as the tournament progresses should they advance.
Czech Republic odds to win Group A
The Czechs are in a relatively weak group with hosts Mexico favourites to finish in first place. It is likely to be a battle for second place between Miroslav Koubek’s men, South Africa and South Korea. But the Taegeuk Warriors are now favoured to join the hosts after winning on opening day.
READ MORE: Czech Republic World Cup 2026 fixtures, key players and tactical analysis here
Czech Republic World Cup top goalscorer odds
Unsurprisingly, Patrik Schick is the sole Czech player in the market to win the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup. His odds of between 80/1 and 100/1 don’t offer much hope that he’ll take home the award.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward is a prolific goalscorer both at club and international level – at the time of writing he has 25 goals to his name in 53 caps for his country.
Read more:
