Patrik Schick calls time on international career after Czechs' World Cup elimination

Czech striker Patrik Schick has decided to end his international career at the age of 30
Czech striker Patrik Schick has decided to end his international career at the age of 30Pedersen/NurPhoto / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Czech football is coming to terms with a major shock after being eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, with star striker Patrik Schick deciding to end his international career. The scorer of 26 goals for the Czech national team announced his decision on his social media, stating that domestic football urgently needs deep changes.

The decision of the Bayer Leverkusen forward did not come overnight, nor was it an impulsive reaction to the recent disappointment in Mexico. He says he had been considering leaving the national team for some time.

"It was a journey full of emotions, joy, disappointment, victories, and tough moments. I always tried to give my all for the national team and represent our country as best as I could," said Schick, who appeared for the Czech Republic in a total of 56 matches.

The striker leaves with a sense of pride in what he achieved on the international stage, but also with serious concerns about the future.

"Czech football is capable of much more than it has shown in recent years. We need to face the truth and change a number of things that have not been working for a long time," Schick emphasised in his post.

He does not see his critical assessment as an attack. "I'm not saying this out of anger or disappointment. I'm saying it because I care about Czech football," he explained at the end of his farewell.

FIFA World Cup 2026

The 2026 World Cup is taking place from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament features 48 national teams and is played at 16 modern stadiums.

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