Euro 2024: Why is the Czech Republic now known as Czechia?

Czechia
(Image credit: Getty Images)

So what is it, Czech Republic or Czechia?

Supporters tuning in to Euro 2024 this summer have often wondered why, much like Turkiye, another nation across Europe has opted to change its name. Formerly known as Czechoslvakia too, a previous alteration was made to be referred to as the Czech Republic back in 1992.

But some 32 years later, another change has been made and we here at FourFourTwo have carefully explored the subject to explain why Czechia is now the correct term being used...

WATCH | Euro 2024: All You Need To Know

Why does the once Czech Republic now want to be referred to as Czechia?

Czech Republic Euro 2024 squad Team photo of Czechia during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Georgia and Czechia at Volksparkstadion on June 22, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

Czechia's players pose for a team photo at Euro 2024 in Germany (Image credit: Getty Images)

Since 2016 in actuality, both Czechia and the Czech Republic have been used in official capacities; the former is merely a shorter form of the latter. From now on, however, Czech Republic will only be used in things like official government, with Czechia the accepted chosen term for the country.

Czechia will be referenced in publications like books and newspapers, as well as by those who represent the nation, such as athletes. For instance, UEFA and FIFA list "Czechia" as the official name of the national men's football team. Commentators and analysts for football competitions, such as this summer at Euro 2024, have also been using the adapted term.

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Czech Republic Euro 2024 squad Patrik Schick (C) celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Georgia and Czechia at Volksparkstadion on June 22, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Maryam Majd/Getty Images)

Patrik Schick has been a shining light for Czechia in Germany so far at Euro 2024 (Image credit: Getty Images)

More Euro 2024 stories

We have a guide on how to get Euro 2024 tickets if you're still looking to go to the tournament. Can’t make it out there? Don’t worry: here’s how to watch Euro 2024 live streams from anywhere in the world

We have the run-down on Euro 2024 stadiums, with info on host cities, capacities, and everything you need to know.

We also have a list of the Euro 2024 favourites, with best odds on nations to win European Championship in Germany, while these are the best Euros games ever and these are the best pundits ever.

Matthew Holt

Matthew is a Freelance Journalist and has racked up bylines for Manchester United, Manchester Evening News, GOAL and SPORTbible to name a few. A long-term sufferer of Scunthorpe United, he currently resides in the north-west after escaping the smog of North Lincolnshire.