Czech Republic vs Kosovo: probable lineups, H2H and prediction — May 31, 2026
The Czech Republic and Kosovo national teams are set to clash in an international friendly in Prague. The match will take place on Sunday, May 31, with kickoff scheduled for 16:00 Central European Time. For the Czechs, this fixture is part of their preparations for the World Cup, while Kosovo continues to build a renewed squad and gain valuable experience at the international level. I’m offering a bet on the winner of this showdown.
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H2H and statistical facts
- Czech Republic has qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 20 years.
- The Czechs are unbeaten in their last four matches.
- Czech Republic has not lost at home since September 2022.
- Kosovo has suffered just one defeat in their last seven fixtures.
- Kosovo has won each of their last three away matches.
- The teams have met twice before, in 2019, exchanging home victories by a 2-1 scoreline.
Czech Republic begins World Cup preparations
The Czech national team heads into this friendly as a side that has already secured its place at the World Cup for the first time since 2006, using the remaining time to fine-tune tactical connections.
Their qualifying campaign was solid, showcasing organized football and consistency against mid-level opponents, which was enough to claim second place in the group.
However, there was a major setback along the way. Last October, the Czechs suffered a shock defeat to the Faroe Islands, but ultimately this did not alter their qualification fate.
In the qualifiers, the Czechs opted for a balanced approach, combining a reliable defense with efficient use of attacking opportunities. They clinched their World Cup spot through the playoffs, where they first edged past Ireland and then Denmark in dramatic penalty shootouts.
Sensational Kosovo falls just short of the World Cup
Kosovo continues its rise on the international stage. Their qualifying campaign was nothing short of remarkable, and they came agonizingly close to a historic World Cup finals berth.
Throughout qualification, Kosovo proved they could compete with more experienced teams, especially thanks to their intensity and physical readiness. The squad played pragmatic football and managed to collect 11 points in a group with Sweden, Slovenia, and Switzerland, sensationally taking second place.
Luck wasn’t on their side in the playoffs, but perhaps it couldn’t be otherwise. In the semifinals, Foda’s bold team outgunned Slovakia (4-3), but narrowly lost to Turkey in the decisive match.
In this friendly against the Czech Republic, Kosovo will play with less pressure for the result, which could allow them to be more free-flowing. The main objective is to test new combinations, give young players valuable minutes, and try to impose their tempo on a more organized opponent.
Probable lineups
- Czech Republic: Kovář, Krejčí, Granáč, Haloupek, Zelený, Coufal, Darida, Souček, Schulz, Provod, Schick.
- Kosovo: Murić, Hajdari, Hajrizi, Delova, Gallapeni, Vojvoda, Rexhbecaj, Hodža, Muslija, Muriqi, Asllani.
What’s the bet?
The hosts appear to be the more structured and balanced side, especially as they ramp up for the World Cup. The home advantage in Prague and a higher level of tactical organization should allow them to control the proceedings. Kosovo can create some dangerous moments with their pace and counterattacks, but over the course of the match, the Czechs’ superior class and discipline should prevail. My bet: total goals over 2.
