Prague – The Czech Republic national team is now at full strength ahead of Thursday’s crucial World Cup playoff against Ireland, with midfielder Pavel Šulc returning to the squad after recovering from a thigh muscle injury. Šulc’s availability is a significant boost for novel head coach Miroslav Koubek as the team aims to secure a spot in the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.
The match, set to be played at Prague’s Eden Arena, marks a pivotal moment for Czech football. A victory would propel them to a final playoff match on March 31st at Letná Stadium against the winner of the Denmark-North Macedonia tie. The Czech Republic is striving for its second World Cup appearance since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, having last qualified for the tournament in 2006.
Šulc Returns to Form at Key Moment
Šulc, who plays his club football for Lyon in France’s Ligue 1, had been sidelined for nearly a month due to the muscle injury. His return to the pitch in recent weeks has been closely monitored by the national team staff. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder demonstrated his fitness by completing a full 90 minutes for Lyon against Monaco this past Sunday, a performance that eased concerns about his readiness for the playoff.
“I wasn’t afraid I would miss the playoff,” Šulc said, according to reports. “I feel good. After Thursday [in the Europa League match], I knew I was good to go physically. Yesterday, I played the whole match, and it was fine.”
Šulc’s recovery involved a collaborative effort, including assistance from physiotherapists from his former club, Viktoria Plzeň. He brought Michal Rukavička and a colleague from Plzeň to Lyon to aid in his rehabilitation. This proactive approach underscores his commitment to representing his country.
Team Preparation and Koubek’s First Major Test
Approximately half of Koubek’s squad convened on Thursday, with players from the Czech First League beginning preparations. The domestic league postponed its 27th round to accommodate the national team’s preparations. Defender Ladislav Krejčí of Wolverhampton Wanderers arrived from abroad last week, having similarly enjoyed a weekend off from club commitments.
Jakub Markovič has joined the team as a second goalkeeper, though he is not officially part of the 23-man squad. Tomáš Ladra of Plzeň was the last player from the Czech league to join the group, arriving with the international contingent. Jan Kliment of Olomouc and Jaroslav Zelený of Sparta Prague were absent on Thursday and Friday due to their involvement in the Conference League round of 16.
Koubek, who took the reins of the national team in December, now has a full complement of 25 players – 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers – at his disposal. The team will hold its first full training session on Wednesday afternoon at the Strahov Stadium in Prague, followed by an appearance at the Czech Footballer of the Year awards ceremony in the evening.
What’s at Stake for the Czech Republic?
The stakes are high for the Czech Republic. Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup would not only represent a significant achievement for the nation but also provide a valuable platform to showcase the country’s footballing talent on a global stage. The expanded format of the tournament, featuring 48 teams, increases the opportunity for smaller nations to compete and make an impact.
Šulc’s return provides a creative spark and goal-scoring threat to the Czech attack. His recent form for Lyon, where he has 10 goals in 21 appearances this season, demonstrates his ability to perform at a high level. According to Wikipedia, Šulc began his career with Viktoria Plzeň in 2017, with several loan spells to other Czech clubs before establishing himself as a key player.
The Czech Republic will be relying on the experience and leadership of players like Šulc to navigate the challenges of the playoff. The team will need to be at its best to overcome a determined Irish side and maintain their World Cup dreams alive. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM local time (20:00 CET) on Thursday, March 26th.
Fans can watch the match live on ČT sport and ctsport.cz.
