Czechs name veteran coach Koubek for World Cup play-offs

On Friday, the Czech Football Association announced the appointment of Miroslav Koubek as the national team coach for the upcoming two and a half years. This decision allows him sufficient time to get ready for the 2026 World Cup play-offs scheduled for March.

The 74-year-old Koubek steps in to replace Ivan Hasek. Hasek had guided the team through the World Cup qualifying matches but was dismissed after a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Faroe Islands in October.

In Group L, the Czechs secured second position, trailing Croatia by six points. This result earned them a spot in the play-offs, where they will take on Ireland in Prague on 26 March.

"We will do everything to clinch a World Cup spot," Koubek stated to journalists.

"This is my task and I have to cope with it. I call it heads or tails... but I'm optimistic and believe that we'll make it," he continued.

Should the Czechs defeat Ireland, their next opponents in the play-off final will be either Denmark or North Macedonia. That match is set for Prague on 31 March.

The victor of that encounter will compete in Group A of the World Cup against the co-hosts Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea. The tournament will occur in June and July of the following year.

Koubek, aged 74 and a former goalkeeper, has primarily managed clubs in the Czech top division.

His most recent role at Viktoria Plzen concluded in September due to a series of underwhelming performances.

Prior to that, he guided Viktoria to the quarter-finals of the Conference League in 2024 and reached the last 16 in the Europa League this season.

Pavel Nedved, ex-midfielder for Lazio and Juventus and current general manager of the national side, confirmed that Koubek was his top pick.

"He was really successful in European cups in the past two years," Nedved remarked.

"I have a very clear idea about the national team coach and Koubek meets all criteria," he further noted.

Since gaining independence in 1993, the Czech Republic has featured in every European Championship but has only reached one World Cup, back in 2006. On that occasion, they exited during the group phase.