Match Overview

The fifth-round match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament between the Montenegro and Czech Republic national teams will take place on September 5th at the Gradski Stadium in Podgorica. This preview offers a detailed forecast, betting odds, and key statistics for the Montenegro versus Czech Republic encounter.

Montenegro Team Analysis

Montenegro began their qualification campaign with two victories but suffered a 0-2 away defeat to the Czech Republic in their last fixture. This loss ended their impressive four-match scoring streak in World Cup qualifiers. The Montenegrin side has also struggled to keep clean sheets, failing to do so in five of their last six matches in this competition. Robert Prosinečki’s team currently sits third in Group L, three points behind their upcoming opponents. Notably, Montenegro has conceded only three goals, ranking second best in the five-team group.

Key Montenegro Statistics

• No more than three goals were scored in 6 of Montenegro’s last 8 World Cup qualification matches.
• At home, the team has avoided defeat in 5 of their last 7 World Cup qualification games (3 wins, 2 draws).
• Montenegro has conceded no more than one goal in 8 of their last 10 home matches in this tournament.

Montenegro’s Predicted Lineup (3-5-2)

Daniel Petković – Risto Radunović, Stefan Savić, Marko Vukčević – Stefan Lončar, Marko Janković, Marko Bakić, Stevan Jovetić, Milan Vukotić – Nikola Krstović, Stefan Mugoša.

Injury Update for Montenegro

Four players from the initial squad have sustained injuries: goalkeeper Igor Nikić, defender Adam Marušić, and forwards Andrija Radulović and Milutin Osmajić.

Czech Republic Team Analysis

Ivan Hašek’s squad recently suffered a heavy 1-5 defeat away to Croatia, bringing an end to their impressive seven-match unbeaten run in World Cup qualifiers (five wins, two draws). Historically, this marks only their second significant defeat in official matches, with the first being a 0-5 loss to England in 2019. Despite the recent setback, the team generally boasts a strong defensive record, having kept clean sheets in five of their last seven World Cup qualification games. The Czech Republic currently leads the group standings.

Key Czech Republic Statistics

• The team has scored at least two goals in 6 of their last 8 World Cup qualification matches.
• At least one opponent failed to score in 5 of the Czechs’ last 6 away World Cup qualification games.
• At least one goal was scored in both halves in 6 of the Czech Republic’s last 8 away matches in this tournament.

Czech Republic’s Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)

Matěj Kovář – Tomáš Holeš, Václav Jemelka, Ladislav Krejčí, Jaroslav Zelený – Lukáš Provod, Alex Král, Pavel Šulc, Tomáš Souček – Patrik Schick, Václav Černý.

Referee Profile

Marco Guida (Italy)

Referee Statistics

• Matches officiated: 7 (International matches, 2024/25 – 2025/26);
• Yellow cards shown (including second yellows): 27;
• Average yellow cards per match: 3.9;
• Red cards shown: 1;
• Average fouls per match: 24;
• Penalties awarded: 14%.

Match Prediction and Analysis

The calendar has swiftly brought these rivals together again. In early June, the Czechs secured a convincing 2-0 home victory against Montenegro, showcasing a significant advantage across various metrics. I believe the Czech Republic will secure points in this return fixture as well. Major setbacks, like their recent match against Croatia, are rare for this team. Indeed, prior to the last game, they were unbeaten in seven World Cup qualifiers (five wins, two draws). Furthermore, the Czech offense has been potent, scoring at least two goals in six of their last eight matches in this competition.

Montenegro’s Home Form Concerns

Montenegro rarely delights their home fans with victories. In their last eight home World Cup qualifiers, the team has only won three times (two draws, three defeats). Their only home wins were against Faroe Islands once and Gibraltar twice. Notably, Montenegro conceded goals against Gibraltar in both those encounters. With a significantly stronger attacking force, the Czechs are expected to pose far greater challenges. The visitors will undoubtedly be eager to rebound from their heavy defeat in the previous round.

Expert Betting Tip

My forecast: “Czech Republic will not lose and Total Goals Over 1.5”  for odds of 1.53