Czech Republic
FIFA #24
Central European football done properly — organized, technical, and quietly remarkable since the days they were Czechoslovakia. Nedvěd walked so today's squad could run.
📍 In the US
Staged out of the Chicago area, which has a Czech-American heritage dating back to the 19th century — the Pilsen neighborhood is literally named after the Czech city. The Czech community here has been waiting for this for a long time and has opinions about the group draw that they are happy to share.
Style
Organized and disciplined, defending compactly and looking to hit opponents on the counter with efficient, purposeful passing.
Rivals
Their fiercest rival was themselves — as Czechoslovakia they were a major force; splitting into two countries in 1993 halved the talent pool. The grudge match from history is West Germany, and it's very much unsettled.
Home Base
Prague's football culture stretches back to the late 19th century when Bohemia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Sparta Prague and Slavia Prague divide the city across the Vltava river with a derby of real intensity, and the national team has a quiet habit of overperforming its ranking at major tournaments.
Human Rights
Freedom House
Political rights and civil liberties score (higher = more free)
Reporters Without Borders
Press Freedom Index ranking (lower = more free, out of 180 countries)
UN Human Development Index
Human Development Index score (higher = more developed, 0–1 scale)
Transparency International
Perceived public sector corruption — higher is cleaner
ILGA World
Legal status of same-sex relationships