The World Champions are back to face the Czech Republic, a team they bested just over a month ago. This rematch takes place on Czech soil, but it still looks like a top-vs-bottom mismatch. With Spain already qualified and the Czechs facing relegation, this match at Prauge’s Letná Stadium might well be La Roja’s least challenging tie of the group so far. Here is our preview for Czechia vs. Spain.
Czechia vs. Spain: The Build-Up
Spain have started the tournament exactly where they left off after the World Cup final in the summer. Luis de la Fuente’s side won their opening four games convincingly and sit first in the table, having already qualified for the next round. Having scored as many goals as they have points in the table so far (12), Spain are looking to finish off the year’s final international break while maintaining their world record unbeaten run, a number that can rise to 44 matches without a loss if they beat Czechia and then England.
Czechia’s start to the season has been abysmal, but you can’t really blame them after looking at the group they have been put in. They have zero points in four matches, will not qualify for the next round, and can only finish 3rd at best and try to avoid being relegated to the 2nd tier of the Nations League. Croatia currently sit 3 points above them, and they play each other on the final matchday of the group stage. Depending on how the results go over the next few games, Croatia vs Czechia could very well be a match to decide relegation to UEFA Nations League B.
No Lamine Yamal for Spain
The last time these two teams met, Lamine Yamal started the game on fire with a goal just after 6 minutes. Yamal went on to score three more in the next three matches and is Spain’s top goalscorer with four. But unfortunately, days after being called up by Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish football federation announced that the 19-year-old picked up a knee injury after the weekend’s game against Atletico Madrid.
Spain have hinted that Yamal might be back in time for the England game. Though, with these next fixtures being dead rubbers, it would be better to rest the youngster. He has already started every single game for club and country this season when fit. Yamal has already scored 17 goals in 20 matches so far this season, playing close to 1,500 minutes, and fans have been calling for more rest for him.
Spain’s highest goalscorer at the World Cup, Mikel Oyarzabal, has also pulled out of the fixture due to flu, and his availability is yet to be confirmed for the match against England.
New and Returning Names for La Roja
Due to these absences and Luis de la Fuente’s decision to rotate the squad, a lot of players who have either never or only briefly represented Spain have been called up.
Álvaro Vallés
The most deserving name on the list to be called up. The 29-year-old Real Betis goalkeeper has been one of the best performers in La Liga and the Champions League this season, boasting the highest saves and saves-per-game ratio in domestic competition. Last season, he was crucial to Manuel Pellegrini’s side finishing in the top five and qualifying for the Champions League for only the second time in history. Despite being in the pecking order behind Unai Simón, David Raya, and Joan García, the fact that Vallés was called up as the fourth keeper in the squad means Luis de la Fuente wanted to reward him for his solid displays. A few minutes for him aren’t out of the question as he looks to get his first international cap.
Jacobo Ramón
The Como defender is another one of those called up by Luis de la Fuente for the first time. Ramón, who is having a standout season with Como in Serie A, has been linked to a return to Real Madrid next summer, with the club retaining a buyback clause over him.
Jorge De Frutos
Making his return to the national team is Rayo Vallecano’s Jorge de Frutos. The 29-year-old winger made his one and only appearance for Spain in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Turkey, which Spain won 6-0. After decent matches for Rayo, in which he has scored 3 goals so far, Luis de la Fuente has decided to bring him back to the squad. With Lamine Yamal out injured, de Frutos might make his return to the pitch for Spain after over a year.
Czechia vs.. Spain: Head-to-Head
With their recent 3-1 victory last month, Spain continue to maintain their streak of having never lost to Czechia. The two teams have faced each other 8 times in history, with only two of those matches ending in draws and six wins for Spain. Spain have scored 13 goals and conceded only four.
Spain vs Czechia H2H History: D W W W W D W W
Team News and Prediction
Spain Expected XI
Unai Simón;
Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella;
Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Fermín López;
Victor Munoz, Ferrán Torres, Nico Williams
As mentioned before, Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal are two big names out of the fixture. Ander Barrenetxea, who also received a call-up, is out injured as well.
Czechia Expected XI
Antonín Kinský;
Vladimír Coufal, Stepán Chaloupek, Ladislav Krejcí, Jirí Sláma;
Alex Král, Tomás Souček;
Lukás Červ, Lukás Ambros, Kryšof Daněk;
Adam Hložek
Michal Sadílek is suspended for the fixture.
(Czechia lineup credits: Sportsmole)
Prediction: 4-0 win for Spain
Abhik Deb is an accomplished sports journalist and content creator, renowned for his innovative approach to digital storytelling within the football world. With a Master’s degree in Sports Journalism and Communications from Universidad Europea de Madrid, Abhik brings a sophisticated understanding of both traditional journalistic tenets and contemporary digital media strategies to his work. His professional journey includes a significant tenure as a multimedia journalist at Real Madrid C.F., where his contributions spanned video editing, scriptwriting, and on-camera presenting. Notably, Abhik made history as the first Indian to record a live stand-up from the hallowed Santiago Bernabéu pitch for Real Madrid TV, underscoring his pioneering spirit and influential presence. A specialist in La Liga and Spanish football, Abhik excels at captivating audiences through viral football content and insightful documentary-style videos. His natural ability to blend rigorous journalism with creative digital storytelling is evident in his independent fan channel, ‘LaLigaVic,’ where he cultivates a growing audience through engaging, original coverage of Spanish football culture. Abhik’s proficiency extends to social media strategy and audience engagement, crucial skills in today’s digital landscape. You can explore more of Abhik’s work on Hooligan Soccer and Muckrack. Connect with Abhik on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to follow his continuous dedication to delivering high-quality, authoritative sports content.
