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Czechia will face Guatemala in an international friendly match at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, on Thursday in a warm-up game before the 2026 World Cup.
This fixture features the Nasi making their final adjustments before starting their campaign in Group A against South Korea.
With the start of the tournament edging closer, this represents a chance to build confidence as they look to hit the ground running at the World Cup.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Czechia vs. Guatemala key stats
- Czechia remain undefeated in their last five international matches across all competitions.
- Guatemala have struggled significantly in recent friendly matches, losing their last two games and conceding seven goals against Algeria.
- Guatemala have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four international matches across all competitions.
Czechia vs. Guatemala preview: A crucial World Cup warm-up game
| Czechia | vs | Guatemala |
|---|---|---|
| 41st | FIFA Ranking | 96th |
| Tomas Soucek (89) | Most Caps | Jose Carlos Pinto (78) |
| Patrik Schick (25) | Most Goals | Oscar Santis (18) |
| 702 | Total Caps | 504 |
| 95 | Total Goals | 54 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 3 |
Czechia are celebrating their return to the grandest stage of international football after a 20-year absence.
Under the leadership of their veteran head coach Miroslav Koubek, the Czechs succeeded in navigating a dramatic path to the tournament by winning consecutive play-off matches in March.
Ahead of their first game in Group A, the 41st-ranked country in the world will be looking to build their confidence.
Czechia have scored two or more goals at home in seven of their last 11 international games across all competitions.
They head into this clash, having avoided defeat in their last five international games across all competitions.
However, before this run, they suffered a shocking loss to the Faroe Islands, but have since avoided defeat.
They also continued their impressive run with a 2-1 victory over Kosovo in their first friendly game.
For Guatemala, this friendly fixture represents a highly prestigious test against a European team heading to the biggest global tournament.
The head coach, Luis Fernando Tena, since taking charge, has led the team to strong finishes, including a historic semifinal appearance at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
However, recent results have been disappointing for the visitors, highlighting the defensive vulnerabilities that they must address.
Tena’s team has also managed just two wins in their last 10 international games across all competitions.
Czechia have not lost in their last 11 international home games across all competitions.
A severe 7-0 defeat against Algeria in March showed they are not yet on the level they want.
Following their poor form, this fixture serves as a good preparation for their upcoming CONCACAF Nations League.
Czechia vs. Guatemala form guide & betting tips
| Czechia | vs | Guatemala |
|---|---|---|
WWDDW |
Form | WLWLL |
| 12 | Goals For | 6 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 12 |
WWDWW |
International Friendly | DWDLL |
Whispers predicts: Czechia 3-1 Guatemala
Czechia are looking to go into the World Cup strong and will want to claim a win to boost their confidence.
On the other hand, Guatemala have demonstrated severe defensive weaknesses in their recent friendly matches.
The bookmakers have positioned the home side as strong favourites with odds of 1.40, reflecting their form.
A draw is valued at 4.60, while a surprise victory for Guatemala is considered highly improbable at 7.50, given their recent struggles.
The odds for over 2.5 goals are set at 1.62, which represents an attractive selection considering the defensive vulnerabilities of the visitors.
The home team's first-half win is priced at 1.80, while the home team's total goals (over 1.5) is given at 1.48 odds.
> Home to win at 2/5 (1.40) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 2.5 goals at 8/13 (1.62) | Likelihood: Possible
> Home team First-half win at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Probable
> Home team total goals (over 1.5) at 10/21 (1.48) | Likelihood: Possible