Czechia

Competing as Czechia, the nation carries a rich heritage: as Czechoslovakia they were World Cup runners-up twice, losing the 1934 final to Italy and the 1962 final to Brazil. Since the split, the Czech Republic's best finish was the quarter-finals in 2006, and 2026 marks their return after a 20-year absence.

• Qualified by beating Denmark on penalties in the March 2026 play-off final, their first finals since 2006.
• Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick is the main attacking threat and a proven goalscorer.
• Organised, hard-working European side eager to make up for two decades away.