File photo: The Czechs qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2006. | Photo Credit: AP

Attacking midfielder Adam Hložek of Hoffenheim has recovered from a long-term injury to be included in the preliminary Czech Republic squad for the World Cup on Thursday.

Hlozek missed most of the season due to calf and foot injuries, but has been fit, said coach Miroslav Koubek, who wants to test him in warmup games.

Hlozek last played for the national team in June, during World Cup qualifying. The 23-year-old has played 41 international games, scoring four times.

CZECH REPUBLIC PRELIMINARY SQUAD FOR FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

• Goalkeepers: Lukas Hornicek, Matej Kovar, Jindrich Stanek
• Defenders: Vladimír Coufal, David Doudera, Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Stepan Chaloupek, David Jurasek, Ladislav Krejci, Jaroslav Zeleny, David Zima
• Midfielders: Pavel Bucha, Lukas Cerv, Vladimir Darida, Tomas Ladra, Lukas Provod, Michal Sadílek, Hugo Sochurek, Alexandr Sojka, Tomas Soucek, Pavel Sulc, Denis Visinsky
• Forwards: Tomas Chory, Adam Hlozek, Mojmir Chytil, Christophe Kabongo, Jan Kuchta, Patrik Schick

It will open the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada against South Korea on June 12 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Its other Group A opponents were South Africa in Atlanta on June 18 and Mexico in Mexico City on June 25.

The Czechs qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2006.

Published on May 21, 2026