After a three-month break, the Czech national football team resumes its campaign for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
On Friday evening, Ivan Hašek’s men will face Montenegro, a side notorious for its physical play and fierce home support.
The Czechs last faced the Montenegrins in June, winning 2–0 in Plzeň. But this time, with the heat, the atmosphere, and the opponent’s home advantage, the task looks considerably tougher.
Schick in Form, Šulc Rising Fast
Patrik Schick has rediscovered his scoring touch. After netting 29 goals for Bayer Leverkusen last season, he has already struck three times in the opening weeks of the new Bundesliga campaign.
Alongside him, Pavel Šulc is emerging as one of Czech football’s brightest prospects. Since moving from Viktoria Plzeň to Olympique Lyonnais this summer, he has impressed in Ligue 1, scoring once and providing an assist in his first three appearances.
Montenegro’s Fortress
Montenegro may not rank among Europe’s elite, but in Podgorica the team is notoriously difficult to beat. Their home stadium is known for its fiery Balkan atmosphere, which often unsettles visiting sides.
The Czech Republic, meanwhile, has struggled on its travels. Hašek’s men have managed just one away win in their last five matches – against lowly Gibraltar. Defensive lapses remain a concern, with Ladislav Krejčí’s back line prone to costly errors, as seen in the recent clash with Croatia.
Today’s match is more than just another qualifier – it could shape the rest of the Czech campaign.
Kick-off in Podgorica is scheduled for 20:45 local time. Fans in Czechia can follow the game live on ČT Sport and OnePlay.
