Why Czech Republic are now recognised as Czechia by FIFA ahead of World Cup opener
Czechia will kick off their first World Cup in 20 years when they take on South Korea in Group A - but will be going under a different name than last time they played in the tournament.
Czechia have been handed a tough group, with South Korea, South Africa and co-hosts Mexico drawn alongside them in Group A.
The opening group traditionally gets the action underway at a World Cup, meaning Czechia players will get an early introduction into what exactly playing at the tournament is all about.
That is because not a single member of their 2006 squad is still part of the international setup, with 35-year-old midfielder Vladimir Darida - who would have been 15 during the tournament in Germany - their oldest player.
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Most of their squad, including star striker Patrik Schick, have had experience of major tournaments, with the nation having qualified for every European Championships since 1996.
Czechia are one of the most successful teams to have never won a World Cup, with Czechoslovakia - twice runners-up in 1934 and 1962 - recognised as theirs and Slovakia's predecessor by FIFA.
They are now in their third guise in international football, having been known as the Czech Republic last time they appeared at a World Cup.
Czechia name change explained
In April 2026, the Czech Republic government decided to adopt the use of Czechia as its English language name, and it was subsequently approved by the United Nations.
According to a press release from the UK's government's Permanent Committee on Geographical Names (PCGN), the Czech government decided that 'promoting the name Czechia will reduce confusion for English speakers and also enhance the country's identity and economy'.
The name Czechia has therefore been recognised as the men's and women's national team's identity by FIFA - though the country's state title is still Czech Republic for official uses.
As well as in sporting contexts, Czechia is in use in any literary, musical or media context.
When do Czechia play at the World Cup?
After their opening fixture against South Korea, which kicks off at 3am on Friday UK time in Guadlajara, they take on South Africa to kick off the second round of group stage matches on June 18.
They then take on co-hosts Mexico in the early hours of June 25 in Mexico City.
Their match against South Africa takes place in Atlanta, Georgia, meaning they will face a significant amount of travel during the course of their group stage campaign.
However, their total mileage of around 3,100 miles - and back again - from their training base in North Texas is not dissimilar to the mileage of some other nations, with England, for instance, covering a similar amount to their three group matches during the tournament.
Topics: FIFA World Cup, Czech Republic, FIFA
Ryan Smart