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Czechia is reportedly considering veteran Turkish coach Fatih Terim to take charge of its national football team as pressure mounts on current manager Ivan Hasek following disappointing results in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
A goalless draw between Czechia and Croatia in Prague on Thursday left Czechia’s direct qualification hopes in jeopardy, placing the team second in Group L behind Croatia on goal difference with one more match played, reportedly prompting the football federation (FACR) to consider managerial changes to rescue its campaign.
According to Czech outlet iSport, Hasek’s job has come under growing pressure following a string of lackluster results and reported tensions with the football federation’s leadership. Although he is expected to lead the team in its next fixture against the Faroe Islands on October 12, several reports suggest the FAČR may decide to dismiss him afterward, regardless of the outcome.
Veteran Turkish coach Fatih Terim, who left Saudi side Al Shabab in June, has meanwhile emerged as a leading contender for the role, local media said. His name has gained momentum largely due to his previous cooperation with Czech football legend Pavel Nedved — now the national team’s general manager — during their brief stint together at Al Shabab earlier this year.
Nedved is reportedly expected to discuss Hasek’s future with the FACR’s executive committee on Monday. His connection to Terim, combined with the Turkish coach’s vast international experience, has fueled speculation that Czechia could turn to the veteran tactician to stabilize its World Cup campaign.
If Hasek fails to deliver results in the upcoming fixtures against Croatia and the Faroe Islands, Czechia may turn to a more seasoned figure, the report said, adding that for many in Prague, Fatih Terim — revered in Türkiye as "The Emperor" — is seen as both a bold and experienced option to reignite the nation’s 2026 World Cup hopes.
However, the idea of hiring Terim — known for leading Türkiye’s national team through multiple major tournaments and Galatasaray — was described as "financially demanding" given the federation’s limited resources, the report noted. Terim reportedly earned around $1.75 million annually during his most recent tenure with Saudi club Al Shabab, a figure seen as challenging for the Czech federation’s budget. As a result, FACR leadership is said to have postponed any immediate change until after the next international window.
Alongside Terim, under-21 national team coach Michal Bílek and FK Jablonec’s Lubos Kozel were reportedly discussed as potential replacements.
Fatih Terim, 71, is one of Türkiye’s most accomplished coaches, having led Galatasaray to four consecutive Turkish Super Lig titles between 1996 and 2000 and guiding the club to victory in the 2000 UEFA Cup — still the only European trophy won by a Turkish team.
He also managed Türkiye’s national team in four separate stints, most notably steering them to the Euro 2008 semifinals. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Terim has also coached Italian clubs Fiorentina and AC Milan, earning a reputation across Europe for his fiery leadership and tactical discipline.
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