FC Cincinnati Players Shine on International Stage

Nine players represent six nations during FIFA international window

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:25pm

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FC Cincinnati had a near starting lineup of players representing national team sides during the recent FIFA international window, with nine players joining their countries in pursuit of an array of competitions and goals. The players competed at both the senior and youth levels, with some notable achievements including Kévin Denkey scoring twice for Togo and Pavel Bucha's Czech Republic qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Why it matters

The large number of FC Cincinnati players receiving international call-ups is a testament to the club's talent development and the growing recognition of its players on the global stage. This exposure benefits both the individual players and the club as a whole, raising its profile and potentially attracting more top talent in the future.

The details

The nine FC Cincinnati players represented six different countries across four age groups, with some standout performances. Kévin Denkey, the club's leading goalscorer in 2026, scored twice for Togo in friendlies, while Teenage Hadebe appeared in one of two matches for Zimbabwe. At the youth level, Gerardo 'Dado' Valenzuela, Ademar Chavez, and Andrei Chirila all started games for their respective U.S. youth national teams. Most notably, FC Cincinnati midfielder Pavel Bucha was part of the Czech Republic squad that qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the first time in 20 years that the country has reached the tournament.

  • During the recent FIFA international window in April 2026
  • FC Cincinnati players departed for national team duty in early April
  • All but two players have returned to FC Cincinnati as of April 6, 2026

The players

Kévin Denkey

FC Cincinnati's leading goalscorer in 2026 who scored twice for Togo in friendlies.

Teenage Hadebe

Appeared in one of two matches for Zimbabwe's national team during their Botswana tour.

Pavel Bucha

FC Cincinnati midfielder who was part of the Czech Republic squad that qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first time in 20 years the country has reached the tournament.

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What they’re saying

“I'm buzzing. I told Pavel, 'before you leave, you find out what number (he's going to wear)... I don't want anything, I don't need you to bring me anything… I will buy a Bucha Czech Republic jersey. I don't care what it costs. I will find one. I'll get it customized. I don't care,'”

— Evan Louro, FC Cincinnati Teammate

What’s next

FC Cincinnati will return to MLS action this weekend when they travel to take on Red Bull New York.

The takeaway

The large number of FC Cincinnati players receiving international call-ups highlights the club's talent development and growing recognition on the global stage, which can help attract more top talent in the future.