The Czech Republic is preparing for its highly anticipated return to the global stage after a 20-year absence, with the Football Association of the Czech Republic (FAČR) officially unveiling a massive 54-man preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While the expanded roster highlights the depth available to the national team, the inclusion of two specific Slavia Prague players has ignited a fierce nationwide debate following a scandalous and prematurely abandoned Prague “S” derby.
This extensive provisional list serves as the foundation for the final 26-man squad that will ultimately travel to the tournament hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Among the 54 names selected are Slavia defender David Douděra and forward Tomáš Chorý. Both players found themselves at the center of controversy after receiving red cards during Saturday’s chaotic derby against bitter rivals Sparta Prague. The high-stakes match descended into turmoil and was abandoned early after Slavia supporters launched a pitch invasion and assaulted visiting players.
The fallout from their dismissals and a history of disciplinary infractions proved immediately catastrophic for their club careers. SK Slavia Praha’s management promptly banished both Douděra and Chorý from the first-team squad and put them up for sale ahead of the summer transfer window. Slavia club chairman Jaroslav Tvrdík pulled no punches, stating publicly that neither player would ever wear the club’s jersey again. With their domestic careers in tatters, football fans across the country are now locked in a heated argument over whether the controversial duo deserve to represent their nation at the World Cup.
Elite European Talent Headlines Extended Roster
Despite the domestic drama, the preliminary squad showcases the impressive array of talent the Czech Republic currently boasts across Europe’s top leagues. Key figures anchoring the provisional list include forwards Pavel Šulc and Adam Karabec, who both ply their trade for French side Olympique Lyon. They are joined by Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s star striker Patrik Schick, Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Ladislav Krejčí, and PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Matěj Kovář.
The FAČR confirmed that the 54-man group was meticulously assembled through close collaboration between the sporting directorate, national team head coach Miroslav Koubek, and senior executive officials. FAČR president David Trunda emphasized that the selection committee carefully weighed on-pitch performances alongside squad harmony and behavioral factors before submitting the official list to FIFA ahead of the May 11 deadline.
Ending a Two-Decade World Cup Drought
This tournament marks a historic milestone for Czech football, as the national team returns to the World Cup finals for the first time in two decades. Koubek’s men booked their ticket to North America with a dramatic victory over Denmark in the play-off final in Prague. They have been drawn into Group A, where they will test themselves against South Korea, South Africa, and co-hosts Mexico this June.
The Countdown to Guadalajara: Preparation Schedule
The squad will officially convene in Prague on 28 May to begin the final phase of their training camp. Three days later, on 31 May, the team will play a celebratory farewell match against Kosovo in front of their home support at Prague’s epet ARENA.
Following the home send-off, the Czech delegation will fly directly to the United States. A final warm-up friendly is scheduled for 4 June in New Jersey, with the FAČR expected to officially announce the opponent in the near future.
The Czech Republic will kick off their World Cup campaign against South Korea on 12 June in Guadalajara, Mexico. They will then travel to the United States to face South Africa on 18 June in Atlanta, before returning to Mexico for a blockbuster final group match against the host nation on 25 June in Mexico City.