The Czechia national soccer team has made Mansfield, Texas, its base camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026, offering local fans a unique opportunity to witness world-class soccer up close. On Saturday, the team hosted an open training session at Mansfield Stadium, attracting hundreds of fans, including those with Czech roots and soccer enthusiasts eager to see a World Cup squad in action.
Local Fans and Heritage
Among the attendees was Jean-Paul Beebee, who cherishes the chance to connect with his Czech heritage. ‘It’s kind of a once-in-a-lifetime thing to see an open practice like this from the country my great-grandparents emigrated from,’ he shared. Beebee noted the significant Czech community in Texas, with nearly a million people of Czech descent living in the state.
Fans like Luis Castillo from Carrollton also expressed excitement about the World Cup’s presence in Texas. Castillo, a Mexico fan, was thrilled to experience European soccer firsthand, describing it as a childhood dream come true.
International Attention
The training session drew international media attention, with journalists covering Czechia, Mexico, and the Republic of Korea, all part of Group A. Despite not playing any group stage matches in North Texas, Czechia’s presence has sparked local interest and pride.
Sports and Community
Dallas Stars forward Radek Faksa, representing Czechia in the Winter Olympics, attended the session despite an injury. ‘It’s a huge honor,’ Faksa said, reflecting on the parallels between Olympic dreams and World Cup aspirations. Inspired by the training, Faksa decided to attend Czechia’s match against South Africa in Atlanta.
Looking Ahead
Czechia’s World Cup journey begins on Thursday with a match against the Republic of Korea in Guadalajara. The team, which secured its first World Cup appearance in 20 years through challenging playoff matches, is eager to compete on the global stage.
Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
