The 27-year-old captain scored as Czechia returned to the World Cup for the first time in two decades
Ladislav Krejci did what captains are supposed to do. He scored on his World Cup debut, leading the Czech Republic back onto football’s biggest stage for the first time since 2006.
The long road back
Czechia’s path to the 2026 World Cup was anything but straightforward. The team had to grind through qualification play-offs, first overcoming the Republic of Ireland before facing Denmark in a tense final.
That Denmark match went to extra time, where Krejci himself netted a crucial goal. It eventually took a penalty shootout to settle things. The Czechs held their nerve, securing their spot in the tournament during those April 2026 play-off finals.
Who is Ladislav Krejci
Born on April 20, 1999, Krejci is a versatile defender who can operate as a centre-back or in midfield. He currently plays club football for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, on loan from Spanish side Girona.
Heading into the World Cup, he had accumulated 26 international caps and 5 goals for the Czech national team.
Czechia opened their Group A campaign against South Korea on June 12, 2026, with a kick-off time of 3am UK time. The group also includes South Africa and Mexico.
