Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match.
In the upcoming edition of the UEFA Nations League, the Czech Republic will feature in the top division, while Montenegro remain some way off from reaching that level. Playing in Plzeň, the Czechs are expected to control possession—thanks to a strong group of technically proficient players. With Patrik Schick in excellent form, they will aim to capitalise on their attacking strengths.
Czech Republic
Since 10 September, the Czech Republic have gone unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions, recording five wins and two draws. In five of those outings, they scored more than 1.5 goals. Their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign began on a positive note, with a 2:1 win over the Faroe Islands followed by a dominant 4:0 victory against Gibraltar. Across those two games, they produced 6.36 xG. Patrik Schick has already netted three goals in the qualifiers and currently ranks among the Bundesliga's top three scorers with 21 goals for Bayer Leverkusen.
Montenegro
Montenegro are in the midst of a transitional period, combining experienced figures like Stevan Jovetić and Aleksa Marušić with emerging talents such as Nikola Krstović. Montenegro delivered respectable results in March, defeating Gibraltar (3:1) and the Faroe Islands (1:0). However, prior to that, they endured a difficult UEFA Nations League campaign, conceding nine goals in six matches against Iceland, Turkey, and Wales, which ultimately led to their relegation to League C.
Czech Republic vs Montenegro Prediction
In June 2023, the Czech Republic secured a comprehensive 4:1 win away to Montenegro in Podgorica. With home advantage in Plzeň, the Czechs are likely to hold the psychological upper hand and are expected to score at least twice.
