Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal have been included in Czechia’s 24-man squad for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header.
Ivan Hašek’s side are set to resume their UEFA Group L campaign with a home clash against Montenegro on Friday 6 June (7.45pm BST), in Plzeň, before travelling to Osijek for a hotly-anticipated away match-up against Croatia on Monday 9 June (7.45pm BST).
Having seen off the Faroe Islands (2-1) and Gibraltar (4-0) in their opening two qualifiers in March, Czechia currently sit at the top of the standings with six games to go, and on course to reach the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the USA, for the first time since 2006.
At the end of the eight-game round-robin campaign, the top-ranked side will automatically progress to the World Cup, with the runners-up advancing to the play-offs.
However, while second-place Montenegro also boast a 100 per cent record after their first two fixtures, Croatia are yet to get underway in the group, due to their involvement in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals in March.
Souček and Coufal will therefore be determined to help their country strengthen their position in the table with strong results against two of their biggest rivals in the hunt for qualification.
The Hammers duo both go into the international window in form, with Souček - who is set to captain Czechia, and add to his tally of 79 caps - having scored nine goals in 38 appearances in all competitions for West Ham United during 2024/25.
Coufal, meanwhile - who currently has 53 caps - bade an emotional farewell to the Claret and Blue Army on his 180th and final appearance for the Hammers in the 3-1 win at Ipswich Town on Sunday, which was his 25th Club outing of the season.
