---
title: "“I’m very grateful”: West Ham midfielder beams upon Countries World Cup qualification"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/04/03/west-ham-tomas-soucek-czechia-world-cup-qualifaction/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Matt Bottomley"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-04-03T13:32:31Z"
modified: "2026-04-03T13:39:47Z"
---

# “I’m very grateful”: West Ham midfielder beams upon Countries World Cup qualification

- **Czechia beat Denmark on penalties to qualify for the World Cup**
- **Tomas Soucek scored his spot-kick in the shootout**
- **Czechia beat the Republic of Ireland to face Denmark**

West Ham United will have a number of players in the World Cup this summer. Someone who joined that list this week, is Tomas Soucek. The long-serving midfielder and his Czechia side had to do it the hard way but will now be [at a World Cup](https://readwestham.com/2026/04/01/west-ham-international-watch-soucek-wan-bissaka-qualify/) for the first time in 20 years.

Soucek’s nation had go through the playoffs to get their ticket. In the first round the side came from 2-0 down to beat the Republic of Ireland of penalties. In the final came Denmark and teammate [Mads Hermansen](https://readwestham.com/2026/03/30/west-ham-mads-hermansen-on-denmark-debut/). The game would again go the distance but it was Czechia who would prevail and find their position at this summer’s tournament.

The [West Ham](https://readwestham.com/) stalwart told [the club’s official website](https://www.whufc.com/en/news/soucek-or-we-are-so-happy-to-be-at-the-world-cup) it was a dream come true.

*“I’m so happy that we as the Czech Republic qualified for the World Cup after 20 years!”* Soucek beamed. *“We waited so long for the opportunity.*

*“Against two top teams, Ireland and Denmark, it was really tough. We played two games and drew both 2-2 and won two great penalty shootouts, so it was all about emotions.*

*“As a country, we are so happy to be there, to go to America, Mexico and Canada, so I’m very grateful.*

*“Tuesday night was unbelievable with the fans because they are so proud now of our national team. For me, it’s the best feeling to play for them.*

*“I just can’t wait for the World Cup!”*

## Soucek’s cup dream at West Ham

With Czechia booking their place at the World Cup it has left Soucek hungry for more. There is a lot left to play for at West Ham this season, including the [FA Cup](https://readwestham.com/2026/04/02/head-to-head-west-ham-vs-leeds-united/), [where the Hammers play Leeds United on Sunday](https://readwestham.com/2026/04/03/west-ham-vs-leeds-united-preview-prediction-fa-cup/).

*“This win \[over Denmark\] gives me another motivation to go to another cup – that’s the FA Cup,”* he confirmed.

*“I remember we won on penalties against Brentford. We (Czechia) won twice now on penalties in the play-offs for the World Cup, and now we have another big opportunity to go to the semi-finals.*

*“To play against Leeds, we know it’s very tough. We will fight with them to avoid relegation in the Premier League as well, but this is a great opportunity for us and our fans to go together and to keep the momentum we have now.*

*“We all know that the semi-final is in Wembley, so it’s a massive opportunity to bring our fans there. We will do everything possible on the pitch. I believe that the stadium will be one of the best atmospheres of this season, the same as Brentford.*

*“We will all go for it because we want to be at Wembley as West Ham United. That’s our aim for this weekend and I believe we will reach it all together.”*