▲ Czech Republic's Ladislav Krejčí and head coach Miroslav Koubek (right) during a press conference.
Ahead of their match against South Africa following a comeback loss to South Korea in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Czech Republic head coach Miroslav Koubek named South Korea and Mexico as the favorites to top the group, while noting that he was more impressed by the South Korean side.
During the pre-match press conference held at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, U.S., on June 18, Koubek stated, "I believe Mexico and South Korea are the favorites to finish first in our group. The two teams face each other tomorrow, and we will have to see the result, but to be honest, I was more strongly impressed by South Korea."
The Czech Republic, led by Koubek, will face South Africa in their second Group A match at Atlanta Stadium on June 19.
The Czech team enters the match against South Africa after a 1-2 comeback defeat to South Korea at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 12.
The Czech squad, featuring many players over 190 cm tall, scored the opening goal through a threatening aerial attack but conceded a late comeback to South Korea, a team that had focused heavily on altitude adaptation since selecting their base camp.
"The altitude here is low, so the players are in very good condition. However, I think we performed quite well even at high altitude during the match against South Korea," Koubek reflected. "The South Korean team looked more dynamic at the time, but I don't think that was due to the altitude; I believe it was due to the players' individual skills."
For the Czech Republic, the match against South Africa—which also lost its opening game 0-2 to host nation Mexico—is a must-win encounter.
Only a victory will keep their hopes of advancing from the group stage alive.
"We are playing the group stage without any points, so the situation is difficult. We must win the next match," Koubek said, expressing his determination.
He added, "I think South Africa played in a different way than usual in their first match against Mexico. Therefore, I don't expect them to perform the same way against us," while hinting at tactical changes by saying, "We will try to find better combinations and create dangerous situations."
Koubek also emphasized, "I am not nervous. There is only a 'healthy tension,'" adding, "We will not crumble under the pressure."
Meanwhile, the match between the Czech Republic and South Africa is also drawing attention as American referee Tori Penso has been appointed as the head official.
Following Stéphanie Frappart (France) at the Qatar tournament four years ago, she will become the second woman in history to officiate a match at the men's World Cup.
Additionally, all assistant referees assigned to the match are also women.
Ladislav Krejčí (Wolverhampton), the Czech captain who attended the press conference with Koubek, said, "I have never played in a match officiated by a female referee, but I don't think that is an issue. What matters is the referee's ability, not their gender."
"I am not considering anything other than how the game is managed," Krejčí added. "I hope it will be a successful match."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.