Patrik Schick announces retirement from Czech national team after World Cup exit


Patrik Schick announced his retirement from international football following the Czech Republic's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The team, managed by Miroslav Koubek, were eliminated from the tournament following a 3–0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico, finishing bottom of Group A with just one point from three matches. Schick was the top scorer at Euro 2020, with five goals – tied with Cristiano Ronaldo – including an incredible goal from midfield against Scotland to take Czechoslovakia to the quarter-finals. However, the Bayer Leverkusen striker was unable to replicate that performance in North America, registering just one shot on target in three appearances, most recently as a substitute against Mexico. "Děkujeme, Patriku! After ten years wearing the national team's shirt, Patrik Schick has decided to end his international career. He leaves behind unforgettable goals and moments that Czech fans will remember for a long time. Thank you for every game, every goal and for the pride with which..." — published the Czech national team on the official X (@ceskarepre_cz) [June 25, 2026]. In a statement, the Czech national team said: "He leaves behind unforgettable goals and moments that Czech fans will remember for a long time. Thank you for every match, every goal and for the pride with which you represented the Czech Republic." Schick ends his international career with 26 goals in 56 matches since making his debut against Malta in May 2016. He is fourth on the Czech national team's top scorers list, behind Jan Koller (55), Milan Baros (41) and Vladimir Smicer (27).