Santi Denia appointed head coach of the Czech Republic
Spanish coach Santi Denia will make his debut in September against Croatia and England in the Nations League.
On 31 July 2026 the Czech Republic named a new head coach after a disappointing World Cup campaign, the national association announced.
Debut in September
For the first time in its history the Czech national team will be led by a foreign coach: Spanish strategist Santi Denia has been chosen to take charge. His first matches in the role are scheduled for September, when the Czech Republic meets Croatia and England in the new edition of the Nations League.
Denia inherits a team that underperformed at this year’s World Cup, a result that prompted the federation to seek a fresh start ahead of the next competitive cycle.
Commenting on his appointment, Denia said: "I am happy to be here and extremely motivated, because the opportunity to lead the Czech national team I consider a great honour. Czech football has a rich history and it is truly an honour for me to become part of it. I join the ambitious project of the Football Association of the Czech Republic and I believe that together we will achieve success. I want only one thing — to start working as soon as possible," said Santi.
The Football Association has framed the hiring as part of an ambitious plan to rebuild and prepare the squad for upcoming competitive tests. Denia's international experience and tactical approach will be scrutinised as he prepares the team for the Nations League slate in September.
Preparations will accelerate in the weeks ahead as Denia assembles his staff and evaluates the player pool ahead of the international fixtures.
Photo: press material from the event
