Ladislav Krejčí Named Captain of Czech Republic National Team
Ladislav Krejčí has been appointed as the recent captain of the Czech Republic national football team ahead of their crucial World Cup play-off qualification matches. The 26-year-aged Wolverhampton defender succeeds Tomáš Souček, who remains a key player in the squad. The Czech Football Association announced the captaincy change on its X social network account on March 23, 2026. Source
Previous Captaincy Experience
Krejčí previously captained Sparta Prague, demonstrating his leadership qualities at a prominent Czech club. He will now lead the national team in their semi-final play-off match against Ireland on Thursday in Prague’s Eden Arena. Source If the Czech Republic wins, they will host a final play-off match on March 31 against the winner of the Denmark vs. North Macedonia tie.
Change in Captaincy
The decision to change captains followed discussions after the national team’s game against Gibraltar in November. Tomáš Souček was officially relieved of the captaincy for one match due to team conduct following a 6-0 win in Olomouc, where the team did not acknowledge the support of their most loyal fans in the “cauldron.” Source
Coach Koubek’s Perspective
However, the change is expected to be more permanent, as indicated by new national team coach Miroslav Koubek last week during the squad announcement. Koubek stated, “If it will be for a longer period? Probably yes. Changing the captain after one match like a fuse is not optimal. A longer period means more matches.” Source
Krejčí’s Reaction
“I value the captain’s armband extremely much, it is a great honor and responsibility for me. I am looking forward to what lies ahead for all of us,” Krejčí said upon the announcement. He as well acknowledged the circumstances surrounding the change, stating, “At the same time, I am a little sorry for the situation that caused the change. It wasn’t pleasant, but it is what it is. We know what awaits us. I believe that we will approach it as we have and fulfill our dream (advancing to the World Cup).” Source
Krejčí expressed confidence that the captaincy would not affect his performance, adding, “It depends on how you accept it. It’s quite fresh, so I haven’t had much time to suppose about it yet. But I’ve been approaching all things the same way for many years, I believe it will bring you success.” Source
Club Career and National Team Debut
Krejčí began his career at Zbrojovka Brno and later excelled at Sparta Prague, leading the club to league titles in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons before moving abroad. Source He is currently on loan with Wolverhampton, where he has become a key player despite the team’s challenging position in the English Premier League. He made his debut for the national team four years ago and has since earned 23 caps, scoring three goals.
Krejčí acknowledged Wolverhampton’s difficult situation, stating, “The situation is not pleasant. At the first meeting (of the national team) on Thursday, coach Koubek already wrote us off that we won’t be able to handle it. But I like these situations. Mathematically, there is still a chance (for rescue). Now we have caught a certain style and I believe that we will continue in it.” Source
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