Czechia has endured a sporadic World Cup history. A regular presence in the tournament’s early years under the banner of Czechoslovakia, the central European nation has drifted in and out of the world’s biggest stage since 1966—often qualifying for one edition before missing the next. Since the formation of the Czech Republic in 1994, that inconsistency has only intensified. In fact, the team has qualified for just two World Cups in that time: first in 2006, when it exited in the group stage, and then again for 2026, ending a 20-year absence. Qualification this time around was far from straightforward, but strong performances at the European Championships in recent times—including two quarterfinal appearances—suggest Miroslav Koubek’s side could yet turn a few heads.…