Czech Republic Announces Squad for World Cup Playoff Against Ireland

Prague – The Czech Republic national team has announced its 25-man squad for the crucial World Cup playoff match against the Republic of Ireland on March 26th. The match, to be held in Prague’s Eden Arena, is a semi-final clash with the winner facing either Denmark or North Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on March 31st.

Squad Highlights and Returnees

New head coach Miroslav Koubek has included several key players in his first squad selection, including Tomáš Souček, Vladimír Coufal, and Patrik Schick. Notably, Vladimír Darida returns to the national team after a five-year absence, having originally ended his international career after the 2021 European Championship. Pavel Šulc, despite recent injury concerns, has also been named in the squad, though his participation will depend on a final assessment by the club.

New Faces and Injury Concerns

Denis Višinský is the only completely new addition to the squad, whereas Lukáš Horníček and Pavel Bucha have been previously included in national team camps. Pilsen’s Tomáš Ladra has also received a call-up, having earned one cap for the A-team previously.

The Czech Republic will be without several players due to injury, including defenders David Zima and Douděra, Václav Jemelka, and Matěj Ryneš. Forwards Matěj Vydra and Adam Hložek, along with goalkeepers Jindřich Staněk and Vítězslav Jaroš, are also unavailable for selection.

Koubek’s Rationale

Koubek explained his selection choices, highlighting the consistent performances of Višinský and Ladra in the Czech league and European competitions. He also noted the recovery progress of Pavel Šulc, stating that a final decision on his availability will be made in coordination with his club, Olympique Lyon. Jan Kliment has been selected among the attacking options, having demonstrated solid form despite limited regular playing time for Olomouc.

Full Squad List

• Goalkeepers: Lukáš Horníček (Braga), Martin Jedlička (Baník Ostrava), Matěj Kovář (PSV)
• Defenders: Vladimír Coufal, Robin Hranáč (both Hoffenheim), Štěpán Chaloupek, Tomáš Holeš, David Jurásek (all Slavia Prague), Ladislav Krejčí (Wolves), Martin Vitík (Bologna), Jaroslav Zelený (Sparta Prague)
• Midfielders: Pavel Bucha (Cincinnati), Lukáš Červ (Pilsen), Vladimír Darida (Hradec Králové), Tomáš Ladra, Denis Višinský (both Viktoria Plzeň), Lukáš Provod, Michal Sadílek (both Slavia Prague), Adam Karabec, Pavel Šulc (both Lyon), Tomáš Souček (West Ham)
• Attackers: Tomáš Chorý, Mojmír Chytil (both Slavia Prague), Jan Kliment (Sigma Olomouc), Patrik Schick (Leverkusen)

The Czech Republic is seeking only its second appearance at the World Cup since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, and their first since 2006. The team will hold a press conference in Prague to further discuss preparations for the match against Ireland.