The Matchday 1 fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification between the Czech Republic and the Faroe Islands will be held on March 22 at the Všesportovní Stadium in Hradec Králové. Czech Republic vs. Faroe Islands: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Czech Republic
In the previous World Cup qualifying cycle, the Czechs remained unbeaten in 6 out of 8 matches (4 wins, 2 draws), with their only losses coming against Belgium and Wales, who finished ahead of them. The team secured a playoff spot but was stopped by Sweden in the first round (0-0, extra time 0-1). However, the match against the Scandinavians marked the Czech Republic's third consecutive clean sheet in World Cup qualifiers. Last year, the team achieved promotion in the Nations League by winning their group.
- At least one opponent failed to score in 6 of the Czech Republic's last 7 World Cup qualifying matches.
- The team scored first in 5 of their last 7 home games in World Cup qualifiers.
- The Czechs have conceded no more than one goal in 7 of their last 9 home matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Czech Republic (4-3-3)
Matěj Kovář – Tomáš Holeš, Václav Jemelka, Ladislav Krejčí, David Jurásek – Václav Černý, Alex Král, Pavel Šulc, Tomáš Souček – Patrik Schick, Jan Kuchta.
Forward Adam Hložek and defender Jan Bořil were not called up due to injuries.
Faroe Islands
In the last World Cup qualifying campaign, the islanders lost 8 out of 10 matches in Group F. They managed to earn points in matches against Moldova (1-1, 2-1). Notably, this victory is their only win in the last 12 World Cup qualifying matches (2 draws, 9 losses). The recent Nations League also brought little joy, with just one win.
- In 5 of their last 7 away World Cup qualifying matches, the Faroe Islands conceded at least two goals.
- The team scored in 4 of their last 5 away games in this tournament.
- The Faroe Islands have not won in 9 away World Cup qualifying matches (2 draws, 7 losses).
Predicted lineup for Faroe Islands (4-5-1)
Bárður Reynatrod – Gunnar Vatnhamar, Andrias Edmundsson, Viljormur Davidsen, Jóannes Danielsen – Hallur Hansson, Hanus Sørensen, Rene Joensen, Brandur Hendriksson Olsen, Árnbjørn Svensson – Pætur Knudsen.
After a long absence, forward Árni Frederiksberg has returned to the squad.
Referee
Rade Obrenović (Slovenia)
Matches – 10 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 47;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.7;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 20%.
Czech Republic vs. Faroe Islands: Match Prediction
The teams met in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, where the Czechs comfortably won both encounters (1-0, 3-0). The upcoming match should not pose any surprises in terms of the outcome. Ivan Hašek's side has a significant advantage in class and is currently showing good results. The Czechs have won their last five home competitive matches, keeping clean sheets in three of them. I believe the Czech Republic will not concede this time either.
The Faroe Islands were the third-highest scorers even in a not-so-strong Nations League group. In more challenging official matches, the team rarely finds the net. Before the 2024/25 Nations League, the islanders went five Euro qualifying matches without scoring. I think Eidvur Klakstein's side will not even consider attacking in the upcoming match, hoping to snatch a draw.
My prediction: Czech Republic to win with a clean sheet
