The Czech Republic national football team, led by manager Miroslav Koubek, held its first training session at the Texas Health Mansfield Stadium in Mansfield, Texas, on June 6, 2026. The squad is preparing for their 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match against South Korea, scheduled for June 12, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico.
How is the Czech Republic preparing for the World Cup?
Following their final evaluation match against Guatemala in Harrison, New Jersey, on June 4, the Czech team arrived at their base camp in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 5. During their first official training session on June 6, the team split their focus based on player physical condition. According to reports from the training site, players who started in the match against Guatemala focused primarily on recovery.
Other members of the squad, including 2-meter tall striker Tomáš Chorý of Slavia Prague, concentrated on refining offensive tactics. The tactical drills included long balls, diagonal passes, and crossing maneuvers designed to utilize the team’s height advantage. The session lasted approximately one hour.
What was the atmosphere like at the base camp?
The training session served as the first official public event at the newly opened Texas Health Mansfield Stadium. An estimated 1,000 fans attended the open training, creating a festive atmosphere. Spectators donned a variety of jerseys, ranging from those of European giants like Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain to kits representing the Czech national team and striker Patrik Schick’s club, Bayer Leverkusen.
Did you know? Veteran defender Jaroslav Zelený of Sparta Prague expressed surprise at the warm welcome, stating, “Everyone is polite and kind, and I am surprised. I want to experience this atmosphere throughout the World Cup period.”
The event also drew local interest, with fans wearing jerseys from the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Stars—the latter including Czech-born NHL player Radek Faksa, who was among the spectators. The team concluded the session by interacting with fans, signing autographs, and taking photos.
What are the expectations for the South Korea vs. Czech Republic match?
The upcoming match on June 12 presents a unique challenge for both sides. While the Czech Republic is competing in the World Cup for the first time in 20 years—having last appeared in the 2006 Germany tournament—they are entering the match without specific high-altitude training. The game will take place in Guadalajara, which sits at an elevation of 1,571 meters.
Local fans observing the training noted that South Korea has had more time to acclimate to the environment. One spectator, who identified himself as a fan of the Czech team, remarked, “Korea seems to have prepared really well. They arrived in the region earlier than the Czechs and appear to be adapting well to the high altitude. It will likely be a difficult match for us.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the South Korea vs. Czech Republic match?
The match is scheduled for June 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM (Korea Standard Time) in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Who is the manager of the Czech Republic team?
The team is led by Miroslav Koubek, who has managed various clubs including FC Viktoria Plzeň and SK Slavia Prague.
How did the Czech Republic qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
The team qualified for the tournament by successfully navigating the European playoffs.
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