- Tomáš Souček named in Czechia’s 54-man World Cup squad
- West Ham United remain in the relegation zone
- Vladimír Coufal also included in the preliminary squad
West Ham’s Tomáš Souček has been named in Czechia’s preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ahead of this summer’s tournament in North America.
The Hammers midfielder has remained one of the club’s most essential players throughout another challenging Premier League season, with his experience and leadership proving crucial under Nuno Espírito Santo in the relegation run-in.
Despite West Ham remaining in the relegation zone, even after Tottenham Hotspur dropped points against Leeds United on Monday night, Souček’s individual performances have rarely dipped, with his knack for scoring likely the difference in the club’s current survival hopes, as seen in his winner against Everton in late April.
Tomáš Souček named in Czechia’s 54-man World Cup squad
Czechia confirmed 31-year-old Souček’s inclusion in its 54-man long list for the upcoming tournament on Tuesday, underscoring his importance on the international stage.
Despite recent rumours over his long-term future with the national team, Czechia manager Miroslav Koubek has renewed his trust in the veteran midfielder ahead of the country’s first World Cup appearance since 2006.
Souček is expected to play a key role for Czechia should he make the final squad later this month, given his extensive international experience and influence in the dressing room.
The midfielder has approximately 89 caps for his country and has led the national team on numerous occasions, cementing his place as one of Czechia’s most iconic players of the modern era.
The preliminary squad also includes Vladimír Coufal, Souček’s former Irons teammate and fellow 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League winner, who currently plays for Hoffenheim in Germany. Czechia have been drawn in the World Cup group stage alongside Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa.
