The Czech Football Association (FAČR) has dismissed head coach Ivan Hašek following a stunning 2-1 defeat to the Faroe Islands in a World Cup qualifying match. The decision, announced on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, comes as a major shock after the Czech Republic, ranked 39th in the world, fell to the 136th-ranked Faroe Islands.
The loss significantly impacts the Czech Republic's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The team currently sits second in Group L but is now only one point ahead of the Faroe Islands, who are in third place. Croatia leads the group with a comfortable three-point margin.
FAČR President David Trunda confirmed that a new coach would be appointed to guide the team through the remainder of the qualifying campaign. A foreign coach is likely to take over on a permanent basis. Former Czech Republic star Pavel Nedvěd has been asked to compile a list of potential candidates for the position.
The match against the Faroe Islands saw Hanus Sorensen opening the scoring for the home side. Adam Karabec equalized for the Czech Republic, but Martin Agnarsson scored the winning goal in the 81st minute, sealing a historic victory for the Faroes. This marks the Faroe Islands' fourth win in a single World Cup qualifying cycle, a feat they have never achieved before.
The defeat is particularly embarrassing for the Czech Republic, given the vast difference in population and resources between the two nations. The Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has a population of just under 55,000.
Despite the setback, the Czech Republic can still qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They must win their final match against Gibraltar on November 17 to secure second place in Group L and advance to the European playoffs in March. Before that, however, they face San Marino on November 13.
The Faroe Islands, meanwhile, face a tough challenge against group leaders Croatia on November 14. To advance, the Faroe Islands need to beat Croatia and hope that the Czech Republic loses to Gibraltar.
Hašek's tenure began in January 2024, and he managed 21 matches, securing 11 wins, 5 draws, and 5 defeats. His assistant, Jaroslav Veselý, has also been dismissed. While the Czechs were eliminated in the group stage of the 2024 European Championship, they won their group in the Nations League and progressed to League A, which begins next September.
