Czechia midfielder Tomas Soucek sustained a serious injury in a strange incident during the World Cup.
The West Ham star was trying to pressure Mexico’s record-setting goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
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Disturbing live television footage showed the tough-tackling midfielder twist his ankle awkwardly before collapsing to the ground in severe pain.
His teammates quickly ran over to assist him, prompting the referee to halt the match.
The match official immediately requested a stretcher.
Thomas Soucek looked to have suffered a serious injury as Czechia exited the World Cup this morning. Hopefully it is better than feared otherwise Soucek may be out until the new year before he can help West Ham return to the Prem. pic.twitter.com/fQg8PrPOGc
— WHU_EastEndPride (@WHUEastEndPride) June 25, 2026
Medical personnel gathered around the injured player and began treating him.
After some time, his teammates helped carry him off the pitch.
A stretcher was later brought in to assist him away from public view at the Azteca.
The frightening moment occurred during Czechia’s heavy defeat in Mexico City.
The tournament co-hosts, together with the USA and Canada, cruised to a 3-0 victory over their European opponents.
Emotional scenes followed as Soucek was escorted off the field, marking the end of his World Cup journey.
The complete severity of the 31-year-old’s injury remains unclear.
However, the footage broadcast by the BBC in the UK and Fox in the USA suggested the situation was serious.
Soucek also endured a disappointing club campaign, as West Ham were relegated from the Premier League.
It remains uncertain whether he will continue at the London Stadium while the club competes in the Championship.
Nevertheless, he is still contracted to the Hammers.
