Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Czech Republic-Guatemala, likely lineups
On Thursday night and Friday night (2 a.m. Italian time), the Czech Republic will take the field at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison to take on Guatemala in the last friendly test before the official start to the 2026 World Cup. For the European selection, fresh off a triumphant but painful qualification run, this match represents the very last chance to refine tactics and oil their game mechanisms. Included in Group A along with host Mexico, South Africa and South Korea, the Czech national team aims to start the rainbow adventure on the right foot. On the opposite front, the Central American outfit will try to turn things around and regain pride after recent heavy missteps in friendlies.
The Czech Republic snatched a pass to the World Cup last March 31, overcoming Denmark on penalty kicks 3-1 after a high-stakes challenge. That victory followed up an excellent positive streak, stretched to five consecutive successes thanks to the 2-1 win imposed on Kosovo last Sunday.
Guatemala saw its World Cup dream fade away in the CONCACAF qualifying round, where it placed third just one length behind second-place Suriname, despite a 3-1 victory in the final direct clash in November 2025. Since then, the team has only played friendly matches, cashing in an acceptable 1-0 against Canada in January and a heavy 7-0 win against Algeria in March.
Koubek is intent on fielding the typical lineup to test the starters ahead of the World Cup. In attack, the return from the first minute of Bayer Leverkusen star Patrik Schick, who was rested against Kosovo, is virtually certain. The bomber will be supported in the three-quarter by Adam Hlozek and Pavel Sulc. In the middle of the field, the median dike will consist of Lukas Cerv and West Ham’s experienced beacon Tomas Soucek, who is ready to cross the prestigious milestone of 90 national team appearances. The three-man defense will be led by mainstay Robin Hranac, flanked by Chaloupek and Krejci.
Tena is expected to respond with a more cautious set-up, relying on a four-man defensive line led by centerbacks José Pinto and Marcelo Hernández. The screen in front of the defense will consist of centre-backs Robles and Rosales, while in the three-quarter Olger Escobar will act in support of lone forward Darwin Lom.
Probable lineups
Czech Republic (3-4-2-1): Kovar; Chaloupek, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Cerv, Soucek, Sojka; Sulc, Hlozek; Schick. All. Koubek.
Guatemala (4-2-3-1): Navarro; Yanes, Pinto, Hernández, Morales; Robles, Rosales; Santis, Escobar, Muñoz; Lom. All. Tena.
