Miroslav Koubek takes charge of the Czech national team with a mission to guide them to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Czech Football Association announced on Friday the appointment of Miroslav Koubek as national coach for the next two and a half years, giving him time to prepare for the 2026 World Cup play-offs in March.

The 74-year-old Koubek will replace Ivan Hasek, who was sacked following a humiliating 2-1 defeat to the Faroe Islands in October during World Cup qualifiers.

The Czech Republic finished second in Group L, six points behind Croatia, and secured a place in the play-offs against Ireland in Prague on March 26.

2026 World Cup

Koubek told reporters:

“We will do everything to clinch a World Cup spot. This is my task and I have to cope with it. I call it heads or tails… but I’m optimistic and believe that we’ll make it.”

If the Czechs beat Ireland, they will face either Denmark or North Macedonia in the play-off decider on March 31 in Prague. The winner of that tie will enter Group A of the 2026 World Cup, facing co-hosts Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea.

A former goalkeeper, Koubek has coached several Czech top-flight clubs. His last stint with Viktoria Plzen ended in September after a streak of poor results, although he led the team to the Conference League quarter-finals in 2024 and the Europa League last-16 this year.

Pavel Nedved, the national team’s general manager, said Koubek was his first choice:

“He was really successful in European cups in the past two years. I have a very clear idea about the national team coach and Koubek meets all criteria.”

The Czech Republic have qualified for all UEFA European Championships since 1993 but have only appeared in one World Cup (2006), exiting at the group stage.