Tomáš Souček is the clear reference point in the Czech Republic squad for this summer's World Cup. The 31-year-old West Ham midfielder has 89 caps, more than anyone else selected by Miroslav Koubek, and he heads into the country's first World Cup appearance since 2006 with a heavy club workload behind him. Around him is a squad built on contrasts, from 17-year-old Hugo Sochurek to a strong Slavia Praha core.

BBC Sport summed up the headline neatly: "West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has been named in the Czech Republic squad for this summer's World Cup - their first appearance at the tournament since 2006."

Why Soucek is the obvious anchor

Soucek's place in the squad was never the interesting part. His status in it is. With 89 caps, he is the most experienced player selected, and that matters more in this group than any attempt to frame him as a lone star carrying everybody else.

Czech Republic look more like a tournament squad built on familiarity and seniority. Soucek fits that perfectly. He made 39 appearances across all competitions for West Ham in 2025/26 and scored 6 goals, so he arrives with the kind of season load you would expect from a midfielder trusted week after week.

His broader league numbers are solid rather than spectacular. Soucek posted a 6.77 Premier League rating and featured in 35 league matches, which tells you he remained a regular. The more encouraging detail is at the end of the season, where his last five Premier League ratings averaged 7.18, including an 8.6 in the 2-1 win over Everton.

That recent run does not turn him into the headline attraction of the whole tournament, and it does not need to. For this squad, being dependable is a bigger asset than being flashy.

BBC Sport also reported: "With 89 caps to his name, 31-year-old Soucek is the most experienced player selected by head coach Miroslav Koubek."

What the squad makeup says about Czech Republic

The age spread tells part of the story straight away. Hugo Sochurek is the youngest player selected at 17, which puts Soucek's role into sharper focus. He is not just another senior player in the group. He is the senior marker for a team mixing youth with established internationals.

There is also a strong domestic spine. Slavia Praha, the reigning Czech champions, provide 10 players. That should help with cohesion, especially for a side returning to the World Cup after a 20-year gap.

The supporting cast is not short on experience either. Vladimír Coufal arrives after 33 Bundesliga appearances for 1899 Hoffenheim, with a 7.19 league rating and 8 assists. Those are strong numbers for a wide defender or full-back, and they give Czech Republic another veteran in good rhythm heading into the tournament.

Even without stretching the argument too far, the shape of this squad is pretty obvious. Soucek is the veteran anchor, Coufal adds another seasoned option with productive club form, and the Slavia-heavy selection suggests Czech Republic have leaned into existing chemistry rather than trying to assemble a side from disconnected pieces.

Ladislav Krejčí is another part of that experienced core, even if the main headline stays with Soucek.

What comes next for Czech Republic

This is Czech Republic's first World Cup since 2006, which is enough to make the squad announcement significant on its own. The tournament, expanded to 48 teams and hosted across the USA, Canada and Mexico, runs from 11 June to 19 July.

The Czechs open against South Korea on 12 June in Guadalajara. By then, the main job for Soucek will be the same one his squad profile already suggests: set the level, give the side some calm, and make sure a long-awaited return does not feel bigger than the team itself.

FAQ

Why is Tomas Soucek such an important player in the Czech Republic World Cup squad?

Soucek is the most experienced player in the squad with 89 caps, and Czech Republic are back at the World Cup for the first time since 2006. His club season also points to reliability, with 39 appearances and 6 goals for West Ham across all competitions.

Who is the youngest player in the Czech Republic World Cup squad?

Hugo Sochurek is the youngest player selected at 17. He gives the squad a clear age contrast with Soucek, who is 31 and the most experienced player picked by Miroslav Koubek.

How much of the Czech Republic squad comes from Slavia Prague?

Slavia Prague supply 10 players in the squad. That gives Czech Republic a strong domestic core, which matters in a tournament group built around experience and familiarity rather than one standout star.

Is Tomas Soucek going into the World Cup in good form for West Ham?

His overall Premier League season rating was 6.77, which suggests steady rather than spectacular club form. But he finished strongly, averaging 7.18 across his last five league matches, including an 8.6 in the 2-1 win over Everton.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →