Czech Republic National Team Faces Coaching Uncertainty Ahead of World Cup Playoffs
Teh Czech Republic’s quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has hit a snag,as the Football Association of the Czech Republic (FAČR) confirmed on December 13,2025,that Jindřich Trpišovský will not be leading the national team during the crucial March playoffs. The decision stems from Slavia Prague’s refusal to release their highly successful coach, leaving the FAČR scrambling to find a replacement.
Following the departure of Ivan Hašek,the FAČR had identified Trpišovský as a prime candidate. Jaroslav Köstl, an assistant coach, stepped in as an interim manager for a November meeting, but a long-term solution remains elusive.
FAČR chairman David Trunda announced the setback via the X social network, stating that the association is actively pursuing choice options. “we made every effort to hire him for the March meeting, but the club ultimately decided not to release its head coach,” Trunda explained. “We respect this final decision. Our task now is to find another option as soon as possible.”
Trpišovský emerged as a leading candidate, but despite the FAČR’s best efforts, Slavia Prague denied permission for his involvement, even for the playoff matches. Media speculation points to Slaven Bilic, a Croatian coach, as a potential replacement. the Czech Republic will first face Ireland in Prague in the play-off semi-finals at the end of March, with a potential final against either Denmark or North Macedonia awaiting the winners.
Following a 4-3 victory over Jablonec, Trpišovský indicated a lack of long-term ambition to manage the national team. However, he left the door open to assisting during the March playoff, contingent on strong support from the players and the broader Czech football community. discussions with Slavia’s management and owner, Pavel Tykač, ultimately proved unsuccessful in securing his release.
The draw for the 2026 World Cup group stages, held on December 5, 2025, revealed that, should the Czech Republic advance through the playoffs, they would be placed in Group A alongside mexico, South Africa, and South Korea.
Pavel Nedvěd, general manager of the national teams, expressed disappointment at the outcome, stating, “Jindřich Trpišovský would be a logical and excellent alternative for the Czech national team. He is one of our most experienced and successful coaches and would certainly have an undeniable authority among the players and the public.” Nedvěd further emphasized Trpišovský’s deep understanding of the Czech football landscape and its players.
The FAČR had previously signaled a preference for a foreign coach following Hašek’s departure, with initial reports linking them to German legend Jürgen Klinsmann before attention shifted to Bilic. The search continues as the association aims to secure a leader capable of guiding the Czech republic to success in the World Cup playoffs and beyond.
The FAČR now faces a critical period of decision-making, with the pressure mounting to appoint a coach who can revitalize the national team and navigate the challenging path to world Cup qualification.
