The Czech national football team enters the top tier of the UEFA Nations League under Santi Denia, facing an immediate rematch against Croatia in Group A3. Following a successful campaign in League B, the Czech squad begins its elite-group schedule against the same opponent encountered during the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Croatia previously secured a 5-1 home victory before a scoreless draw in Prague.
Santi Denia Takes Charge of Senior Squad
Santi Denia assumed leadership of the Czech representation following the summer world championship. The 55-year-old Spanish manager brings extensive experience from his native country’s youth divisions, having secured European titles with both the under-17 and under-19 selections alongside leading the under-23 team to an Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games. This assignment marks Denia’s inaugural tenure with a senior national team.
Roster Adjustments and New Era in Attack
Denia faced substantial roster adjustments ahead of the opening fixture due to injuries sidelining David Zima, Tomáš Vlček, Denis Višinský, Lukáš Provod, David Jurásek, Tomáš Chorý, and Matěj Ryneš. Consequently, late call-ups were extended to Ondřej Kričfaluši, Martin Šubert, Martin Vitík, Václav Sejk, Daniel Vašulín, and Jiří Sláma, supplementing original newcomers Lukáš Ambros, Roman Macek, and Matěj Radosta. The team also commences a new attacking era without Patrik Schick, who concluded his international career following the world tournament.
Group A3 Composition and Schedule
Group A3 features the Czech Republic and Croatia alongside Spain and England.
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