A Milestone for Czech Football
At 74 years old, Miroslav Koubek is poised to become the oldest coach ever to take charge of a side at a FIFA World Cup, a distinction he will earn when the Czech Republic opens its campaign in the 2026 tournament.
Koubek, who previously guided the Czech national team through a successful Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, returns to the dugout after a distinguished playing career that saw him earn 64 caps as a midfielder for Sparta Prague and Bayern Munich.
The Czech squad he now commands is notably short on global superstars, relying instead on a cohesive blend of experienced domestic talent and promising youngsters who have risen through the country's revitalised youth academies.
In recent interviews, Koubek has emphasized that the team's strength lies not in individual brilliance but in collective resolve, urging his players to stay united, unyielding, and relentless in pursuit of each objective on the pitch.
The 2026 World Cup will be historic for several reasons, including its unprecedented joint hosting by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and the expanded 48‑team format that promises new narratives and fresh challenges for traditional powerhouses and underdogs alike.
For Koubek, the tournament represents more than a personal record; it is an opportunity to showcase the enduring spirit of Czech football and to inspire a new generation of fans who view the sport through the lens of perseverance and teamwork.