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Czechia had to take the long way around to qualifying for the 2026 edition of the World Cup - after finishing second to Croatia in Group L in European qualifying, they overcame Ireland on penalties after coming back from 0-2 down before defeating Denmark, also on penalties, following a 2-2 draw. Despite qualifying for the last 8 consecutive European Championships, it will be the first time in 20 years that they made it to the actual World Cup having missed out at the play off stage four years ago too. Form is on their side, having also topped their group in the previous edition of the Nations League where they will be promoted to Group A later this year where they will take on Spain, Croatia and England.
The 30 year old Bayer Leverkusen striker scored five goals in eight games to take his nation to the grandest stage in world football and with no other player having netted more than twice, Czechia will be relying on his goals if they are to make it to the latter stages of the tournament. They are second favourites to make it through as group winners, and with just two more goals to his name, he would become the third highest scorer in Czech history behind Jan Koller and Milan Baros.
