Prague – The Czech Republic’s search for a new national football team coach appears set to end this week, with Miroslav Koubek widely expected to be named to the position. A press conference is scheduled for Friday to formally announce the decision, as the team prepares for crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying playoffs.At 74, Koubek would become the oldest manager to ever lead the Czech national team, stepping into the role following a period with interim leadership and a failed pursuit of international candidates.
A press conference is scheduled for Friday, December 19th, at 1:00 PM at the headquarters of the Football Association of the Czech Republic, signaling a significant development in the search for a new national team coach. This announcement comes as the Czech Republic prepares for crucial upcoming matches, highlighting the importance of strong leadership for the team’s success.
All indications point to Miroslav Koubek being named the new head coach. At 74 years old, Koubek is poised to take on what is widely considered the most high-profile coaching position in Czech football.
The move to appoint Koubek follows a period of searching after Ivan Hašek’s departure on October 15th of this year. Jaroslav Köstl served as interim coach while the association sought a permanent replacement, initially favoring international candidates.
However, the search for a foreign coach proved unsuccessful, with potential candidates either unavailable or beyond the association’s financial reach. A brief pursuit of Jindřich Trpišovský was also halted when his current club, Slavia Prague, intervened.
Discussions with Koubek reportedly began with FAČR Chairman David Trunda, followed by a meeting between Trunda, General Manager Pavel Nedvěd, and First Vice-Chairman Zdeněk Grygera at a location near Koubek’s residence, as reported by Sport.cz. The details were finalized, paving the way for Friday’s official announcement.
Koubek is expected to sign a contract extending beyond the next year, encompassing the qualification cycle for the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament, which will be hosted in Great Britain and Ireland. He will become the oldest coach in the history of the national team.
Details regarding Koubek’s coaching staff are also anticipated to be announced on Friday, with reports suggesting Jaroslav Plašil and Marek Bakoše are potential candidates, having previously worked with Koubek in Plzeň. This selection process is crucial for building a cohesive and effective team around the new head coach.
Koubek’s first major challenge will be the World Cup 2026 qualifying playoffs in late March. The Czech Republic will first face Ireland in Prague, with a potential subsequent match against the winner of the Denmark vs. North Macedonia tie. Success in these matches is vital for securing a place in the final tournament, where the Czech Republic last competed in 2006.
Should they qualify, the Czech team knows their group will include South Korea, South Africa, and Mexico, following the tournament draw. This information allows for early strategic planning and preparation.
Koubek most recently managed Viktoria Plzeň, where he concluded his tenure in September, subsequently replaced by Martin Hyský. During his time with Viktoria, he led the team to the quarter-finals of the Conference League and secured the league title in 2015.
He has also held head coaching positions at Hradec Králové, Bohemians, Slavia Prague, Mladá Boleslav, and BanÃk Ostrava. He briefly served as the head coach of the Czech Republic’s under-19 team in 2013.
Koubek is known for his tactical acumen and ability to tailor strategies to specific opponents, a skill that could prove valuable in the upcoming playoffs. He also adopts a direct and decisive approach, demanding maximum effort from his players. This emphasis on commitment may be precisely what the current national team needs to achieve its goals. Koubek now faces a three-month period to analyze opponents and connect with players as he prepares for the challenges ahead.
