The Matchday 3 World Cup 2026 qualifier between the Czech Republic and Montenegro will take place on June 6 at the Doosan Arena in Plzeň. Czech Republic vs. Montenegro: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Czech Republic
Ivan Hašek's side has collected maximum points from their two qualifying matches, defeating the Faroe Islands (2-1) and Gibraltar (4-0). These results have helped the Czech Republic top Group L. Among all participants in the current qualifiers, only Norway has scored more goals than the Czechs (9). Additionally, the Czech Republic is unbeaten in their last six regular-time matches in this tournament (4 wins, 2 draws).
- At least one opponent has failed to score in 7 of the Czech Republic's last 9 World Cup qualifiers.
- In 5 of their last 6 home World Cup qualifying matches, the team has not conceded more than one goal.
- The team has scored in 8 consecutive home matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for the Czech Republic (4-4-2)
Matěj Kovář – Tomáš Holeš, Václav Jemelka, Ladislav Krejčí, Vladimír Coufal – Václav Černý, Alex Král, Pavel Šulc, Tomáš Souček – Patrik Schick, Adam Hložek.
Montenegro
Montenegro faced the same opponents as the Czechs at the start of the qualifiers. Robert Prosinečki's side defeated Gibraltar 3-1 and secured three points against the Faroe Islands with a single goal. Due to a worse goal difference, Montenegro trails the Czech Republic in the standings and occupies second place in the group. Notably, Montenegro has kept a clean sheet only once in their last five World Cup qualifiers.
- Montenegro has scored in 5 of their last 6 World Cup qualifying matches.
- At least three goals have been scored in 7 of Montenegro's last 8 away matches in this tournament.
- Montenegro conceded first in 5 of their last 6 away World Cup qualifiers.
Predicted lineup for Montenegro (3-5-2)
Danijel Petković – Adam Marušić, Stefan Savić, Marko Vešović – Stefan Lončar, Marko Janković, Driton Camaj, Stevan Jovetić, Milan Vukotić – Nikola Krstović, Stefan Mugoša.
Midfielder Adam Marušić is not called up due to injury.
Referee
Serdar Gözübüyük (Netherlands)
Matches – 10 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 51;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.1;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 50%.
Match Prediction: Czech Republic vs. Montenegro
Both teams have had smooth sailing in previous rounds, and now one of them has the chance to take the sole lead in the group. Especially since the group's main favorite missed the initial matches, creating a gap from Croatia is crucial. I believe the hosts have a better chance of a positive outcome.
The Czech Republic boasts a 6-match unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers, and at home, they have only lost to Germany in their last 10 matches in this tournament (5 wins, 4 draws). Even against Germany, the Czech Republic managed to score, extending their home scoring streak in World Cup qualifiers to 8 matches.
Montenegro has only three wins in their last 10 World Cup qualifying matches (3 draws, 4 losses), and during this stretch, they defeated Gibraltar twice. However, even Gibraltar managed to score against Montenegro in the first round. Defensive issues have long plagued the team: Montenegro has failed to keep a clean sheet in 5 of their last 6 away matches in this tournament, conceding at least two goals in 4 of those games.
My prediction: "Czech Republic not to lose and Total over 1.5 goals"
