Czech Republic Beats Guatemala 3-1 Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The Czech Republic national football team defeated Guatemala with a score of 3-1 in a friendly match held early today. This game was part of the Czech team's preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to begin next Thursday in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time in its history.

The goals for the Czech team were scored by Patrik Schick, Tomáš Holeš, and Denis Višinský at the 11th, 72nd, and 79th minutes of the match, respectively. Guatemala's sole goal came in the 40th minute.

The Czech Republic is placed in Group A for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea.

Czech Republic Squad for the 2026 World Cup

The squad includes the following players:

Goalkeepers: Lukáš Hrošovský (Braga), Matěj Kovář (Eindhoven), Jindřich Staněk (Slavia Prague).

Defenders: Vladimír Coufal (Hoffenheim), David Hovorka, Tomáš Holeš, Štěpán Chalupník, David Jurásek, David Zima (Slavia Prague), Robin Hranáč (Hoffenheim), Ladislav Krejčí (Wolverhampton), Jaroslav Zelený (Sparta Prague).

Midfielders: Lukáš Červ, Alexandr Souček, Denis Višinský (Viktoria Plzeň), Vladimír Darida (Hradec Králové), Lukáš Provod, Michal Sadílek, Hugo Souček (Slavia Prague), Tomáš Souček (West Ham), Pavel Šulc (Olympique Lyon).

Forwards: Adam Hložek (Hoffenheim), Tomáš Holeš, Moïmír Chytil, Jan Kuchta (Slavia Prague), Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen).

Format of the 2026 World Cup

This edition of the World Cup is unique in several respects, including the number of participating teams and the tournament format. The competition will span 40 days and feature 104 matches.

The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups, each containing four teams. The top two teams from each group will advance directly to the round of 32, along with the eight best third-placed teams. The ranking criteria for third-placed teams will be points, goal difference, and goals scored.

Following the group stage, the knockout rounds will commence on June 28, featuring 32 teams for the first time. The elimination matches will proceed from the round of 32 to the round of 16, then quarterfinals, semifinals, and finally the championship match.

The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, which is among the largest venues hosting the tournament.