In the battle between Tomas Soucek and Mads Hermansen, two West Ham United teammates fighting it out for a World Cup spot, Soucek’s Czech Republic would come out on top over Hermansen’s Denmark.
Soucek even scored a penalty past Hermansen in a tense shoot-out triumph for the hosts in Prague.
So the long-serving midfielder becomes the latest player set to represent West Ham United at the 2026 World Cup, joining the likes of Jarrod Bowen, El Hadji Malick Diouf, potentially Mateus Fernandes, and certainly Aaron Wan-Bissaka; his DR Congo side declared a national holiday after beating Jamaica in their own play-off.
Who do YOU think will join this list in 2026? 🏆 🌎
Bowen? Summerville? Fernandes, maybe?
FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Photo by Mandel NGAN – Pool/Getty Images
Soucek was dropped by Czech Republic coach Miroslav Koubek for the semi-final victory over the Republic of Ireland.
Even without the captain’s armband – Tomas Soucek was stripped of the captaincy following a disagreement with an influential fan group in the autumn – he returned to the XI and led by example on Tuesday night.
West Ham United hero Tomas Soucek heads to the World Cup
Tomas Soucek of Czechia celebrates scoring his teams second penalty in the shootout during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Czechia and Denmark
Photo by Sebastian Widmann – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
“The players were fantastic. The belief that we could do it grew with every hour,” a jubilant Koubek told reporters after his side ended their 20-year wait for a World Cup spot.
“We suffered in the play-offs, especially against the Danes, but together we managed to do it.
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“Every leader has their own style of leadership; and Lada [skipper Ladislav Krejci] is excellent. Mind you, Tomas Soucek did a perfect job too.”
Soucek is still ‘indispensable’ for the Czech Republic
There would be no goal on the night, but Soucek typically made himself a nuisance in the build-up to Krejci’s own effort in a 2-2 draw over 120 minutes. A man who has achieved so many things both for club and country – Soucek is a three-time Czech Player of the Year – will now finally step onto the World Cup stage for the very first time.
“The match against Denmark showed exactly why the lanky midfielder is indispensable,” write Denik. “He won a lot of balls. He radiated calmness and optimism. And he helped Ladislav Krejci out wonderfully.
“Even without the armband, he was visible and audible. Not that he was fighting loudly, he’s not like that, but rather he exuded determination. Calmness and faith.”
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