Lyon Midfielder Pavel Šulc Recalled to Czech World Cup Qualifying Squad

Veteran Vladimír Darida also returns from international retirement to aid Czech Republic's World Cup push

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:09pm

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Czech Republic coach Miroslav Koubek has named a 25-man squad for the final stage of World Cup qualifying, with Lyon midfielder Pavel Šulc included despite a recent hamstring injury. Veteran midfielder Vladimír Darida has also agreed to come out of international retirement to help the team's bid to reach the World Cup.

Why it matters

The Czech Republic is looking to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2006. Šulc's return from injury and Darida's international comeback provide a boost to the squad as they face a single-elimination playoff match against Ireland, with the winner then hosting either Denmark or North Macedonia for a spot in the tournament.

The details

Koubek said Šulc has yet to play for Lyon but is expected to be fit for the Europa League match against Celta Vigo on Thursday. If Šulc was unavailable, attacking midfielder Pavel Bucha of Cincinnati FC in MLS was a potential option for the coach. Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick was included in the squad, but Hoffenheim's Adam Hložek was left out due to injury.

  • The Czech Republic squad was named on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • The Czech Republic will face Ireland in a single-elimination World Cup qualifying playoff match on March 26, 2026 in Prague.
  • The winner of the Czech Republic-Ireland match will then host Denmark or North Macedonia for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

The players

Pavel Šulc

A midfielder for French club Lyon who has recovered from a hamstring injury to be recalled to the Czech Republic national team squad.

Miroslav Koubek

The head coach of the Czech Republic national team.

Vladimír Darida

A 35-year-old midfielder who has come out of international retirement to help the Czech Republic's World Cup qualifying campaign.

Patrik Schick

A forward for German club Bayer Leverkusen who was included in the Czech Republic squad.

Adam Hložek

An attacking midfielder for Hoffenheim in Germany who was left out of the Czech Republic squad due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“The situation (with Šulc) looks promising.”

— Miroslav Koubek, Czech Republic national team coach

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.