The Czech Football Association has dismissed national team coach Ivan Hasek, a swift decision made just three days after a surprising 2-1 defeat to the Faroe Islands in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, despite the team’s favorable position in their qualification group.
David Trunda, president of the FACR, confirmed the termination on Wednesday following a board meeting held after the team’s return from the Faroe Islands. “We have ended our collaboration with Ivan Hasek starting today,” Trunda stated.
The unexpected loss on Sunday triggered the dismissal, though the team remains second in Group L with 13 points. This places them three points behind leaders Croatia, who have played one less game.
Trunda emphasized that the federation’s primary objective of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup remains unchanged. He added that a new coaching staff would be presented in the coming days.
The Faroe Islands are a close third in the group with 12 points. Montenegro, with six points, and Gibraltar, with zero, are already out of contention, both having played one less match.
The Czech Republic concludes its qualification campaign at home against Gibraltar. A victory in that final match would secure at least a playoff berth for a World Cup spot.
The team is aiming for only its second World Cup appearance since 2006, when the tournament was held in Germany.