Prague, Czech Republic – A fascinating Czech Cup semifinal draw has set the stage for a heated Silesian derby between Karviná and Baník Ostrava, while Mladá Boleslav will travel to Jablonec in the other semifinal matchup. The draw, conducted on Thursday, followed a quarterfinal round that saw significant upsets, with Slavia Prague, Sparta Prague, and Plzeň all eliminated from the competition – a collective fall from grace not seen since 2015 when Slovan Liberec lifted the trophy.
The unexpected exits of the Czech First League’s traditional powerhouses have opened the door for a recent champion, and the remaining teams are eager to capitalize. Slavia Prague fell to Jablonec after a penalty shootout, while Sparta Prague also suffered elimination via penalties against Mladá Boleslav. Viktoria Plzeň endured a particularly heavy defeat, losing 3-0 to Karviná. Adding to the drama, Hradec Králové were also eliminated by Baník Ostrava after a penalty shootout, all taking place at the Malšovická aréna where the draw was held.
Former Czech Republic international Jan Koller, serving as the ambassador for the competition, conducted the draw. The resulting pairings immediately generated excitement, particularly the prospect of a fiercely contested derby in Karviná. For Baník Ostrava, this represents a significant opportunity to advance to the final and compete for a major trophy.
The schedule for the semifinals has been adjusted due to the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches involving the Czech national team, who will face Ireland and potentially Denmark or North Macedonia in March. The Czech Cup final, originally slated for earlier in the spring, will now be held on May 20th at the Malšovická aréna. The semifinal matches are officially scheduled for April 22nd.
The stakes are high for all four remaining teams. Winning the MOL Cup not only brings prestige but also secures qualification for the final qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. Even in the event of failing to qualify for the Europa League group stage, the winner is guaranteed a direct spot in the main phase of the UEFA Europa Conference League – a financial windfall worth at least 80 million Czech crowns (approximately $3.3 million USD as of March 13, 2026).
The quarterfinal results have undeniably shaken up the Czech football landscape. The early exits of Slavia and Sparta, two of the league’s perennial contenders, highlight the growing competitiveness of the Czech First League and the increasing strength of teams outside the traditional “considerable four.” Karviná’s impressive victory over Plzeň, in particular, has been a talking point, demonstrating their ability to challenge even the most established clubs.
For Baník Ostrava, the semifinal clash against Karviná will be a local affair steeped in rivalry. The Silesian derby is known for its passionate atmosphere and intense competition, and both teams will be determined to secure a place in the final. The match promises to be a captivating spectacle for fans in the region and across the Czech Republic.
Mladá Boleslav’s journey to the semifinals has also been noteworthy. Their penalty shootout victory over Sparta Prague showcased their resilience and composure under pressure. However, their upcoming trip to Jablonec will present a significant challenge, as Jablonec proved their mettle by eliminating Slavia Prague in a dramatic penalty shootout of their own.
The postponement of the final to May 20th allows players and fans alike to fully focus on the remaining league matches and the national team’s World Cup qualifying campaign. It also provides the four semifinalists with valuable time to prepare for their crucial encounters. The Czech football community now eagerly awaits the semifinal matches, anticipating a thrilling conclusion to the MOL Cup competition.
As the Czech First League season progresses, the MOL Cup offers a parallel path to European qualification, adding another layer of excitement and intrigue. The upsets in the quarterfinal round have demonstrated that anything is possible in cup competitions, and the semifinals promise to deliver even more drama and surprises.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the semifinal matches scheduled for April 22nd. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and developments by following the official websites of the Czech Football Association and the participating clubs. What are your predictions for the semifinals? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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