Ireland travel to Prague for a World Cup play-off against Czechia, with a place in the final on the line.

By Bill Schmitz | Mar 24 2026

For Ireland, it always seems to come to this. A play-off with everything on the line, and a nation held still in waiting. 

The squad announcement brought no real surprises. The core of the group remains the same, balancing youthful energy and experience. Robbie Brady returns to the squad, offering options in a game that looks likely to be defined from set-pieces. Sammie Szmodics also comes back, amidst rumours of his enthusiasm to play for the country.

Of the new names included, Harvey Vale gets his first senior call-up after switching allegiances from England just last week. The attacking midfielder regularly appears for QPR and bagged an assist this weekend. Bosun Lawal and James Abankwah (formerly of St. Patrick’s Athletic) continue Heimir Hallgrímsson’s trend of bringing younger players into the setup.

The absence of Evan Ferguson due to injury may not be overly disappointing to some given the less-than-favourable season he has had at Roma. The responsibility, just like in Hungary, falls on Troy Parrott up front. He has banked over 25 goals this season at club level, and 5 international goals from the last break that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.

Hallgrímsson has also signed a contract extension, leaving him in charge of Ireland until the end of Euro 2028. Although it may not be the focus going into the tie, it gives a sense of stability around the squad that has been missing for some years.

The play-off system is simple. Ireland play Czechia, and the victor plays the winner between Denmark and North Macedonia for a place in this summer’s World Cup. 

Czechia will be a test. Physicality is at the forefront of their style of play. Patrick Schick will most likely lead the line, with Tomáš Sou?ek also offering an aerial threat. Between the two of them, Czechia’s way of playing may seem clear, but nonetheless dangerous.

Beyond the match itself, there’s a bigger context. Ireland haven’t qualified for the World Cup since 2002, and have only appeared in the tournament three times. Our history with play-offs is also mixed. In 2020, Ireland were knocked out of the European Championship play-offs by Slovakia on penalties. Before that in 2017, Denmark put five past the boys in green in Dublin in a World Cup play-off. There have also been successes, of course. The play-off win against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025 secured qualification for Euro 2016. 

However, the reality of these games is that they don’t follow logic. One moment can decide everything. Just like in Hungary, fans will be hoping for something special. Another opportunity awaits.