Death Group in the Nations League. The draw sent footballers into a packed company
Czech footballers will face the two finalists of the last European Championship, Spain and England, in the Nations League's fifth season, alongside Croatia in a challenging group.
In the upcoming fifth season of the Nations League, Czech footballers have been drawn into a tough group (A3) that includes both finalists from the last European Championship — the winners Spain and England. Additionally, Croatia will be their opponent, marking a repeat of their recent encounters in the World Cup qualifying rounds. This draw took place in Brussels, revealing the challenging road ahead for the Czech Republic’s national team under the new management of coach Miroslav Koubek.
This is the second time the Czech team will compete in the strongest level of the Nations League after earning their position by winning in Group B1 two years ago under the guidance of former coach Ivan Hašek. During their only previous appearance in Division A, four years ago, the national team faced stiff competition from Spain, Portugal, and Switzerland, ultimately finishing last and being relegated. This history puts additional pressure on the team as they gear up for the new season in hopes of securing better results.
The Nations League offers national teams an alternative to friendly matches, providing an opportunity to fight for qualification for the final tournaments, such as the upcoming European Championship in 2028. The forthcoming season will commence in September, with the group stage culminating in November. The top two teams from each group in Division A will progress to the semi-finals, raising the stakes for the Czech team as they aim to navigate through the challenges presented by their formidable opponents.