The expected captaincy marks a potential shift in the Czech hierarchy. Tomas Soucek reportedly remains central to the midfield, but the leadership role now appears to belong to Krejci, who is likely to start on the left of the back three.
The report says the Czech Republic reached the finals after winning two penalty shootouts. That experience gives Koubek’s preferred shape continuity, although the opener will test the team’s ability to control matches before they reach decisive moments.
With Stepan Chaloupek and Robin Hranac alongside him, Krejci would provide an imposing defensive platform. The wing-backs are expected to push deliveries into the box, making the captain’s positioning important during both defensive and attacking set pieces.
Much of the Czech threat still runs through Schick. The report credits the Bayer Leverkusen striker with six goals in seven major-tournament matches, while three of his five qualifying goals reportedly came from headers.
Those figures underline the intended route to goal. Schick’s aerial ability, combined with Soucek’s height and the delivery from Vladimir Coufal and David Jurasek, gives the Czech Republic a clear set-piece weapon against South Korea.
Pavel Sulc is expected to operate behind Schick, with Lukas Provod also likely to support the attack. Their movement will determine whether the Czech side can offer more than crosses and second balls.
The reported selection remains subject to official confirmation:
The key storyline will be whether Krejci’s leadership and the Czech Republic’s aerial strength can turn a structured game plan into early World Cup 2026 points.