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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 FIFA World Cup.
This fixture features a European side making their final adjustments before starting their campaign in Group A against South Korea.
This match represents a chance to build physical confidence as they look to get 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 in a heavy 7-0 defeat 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 twenty-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 2026.
Ahead of their first game in Group A, the 41st-ranked country in the world will be looking to make adjustments to their tactics.
Heading into this clash, the hosts have avoided defeat in their last four international games across all competitions.
Their recent qualification matches against Ireland and Denmark showed a side that can remain calm under immense pressure.
They also continued their impressive run with a 2-1 victory over Kosovo in their first friendly game, which could boost their confidence ahead of the World Cup.
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, is seeking to build a cohesive unit capable of competing on the international stage.
However, recent friendly results have been highly disappointing for the visitors, highlighting the defensive vulnerabilities that they must address.
A severe 7-0 defeat against Algeria in March 2026 showed they are not yet on the level they want.
Tena’s team has also managed just two wins in their last 10 international games across all competitions, which shows how poorly they have been performing.
Following their poor form, this fixture serves as a good preparation for their upcoming CONCACAF qualification series.
Czechia vs. Guatemala form guide & betting tips
| Czechia | vs | Guatemala |
|---|---|---|
WWDDW |
Form | WLWLL |
| 12 | Goals For | 6 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 12 |
WWDWW |
[COMPETITION] | DWDLL |
Whispers predicts: Czechia 3-1 Guatemala
Czechia are looking to go into the World Cup looking 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: Porbable
> Home team total goals (over 1.5) at 10/21 (1.48) | Likelihood: Possible