The Republic of Ireland will not be at the World Cup this summer after being beaten 4-3 in a penalty shooutout against Czech Republic in the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
Ireland began the game in positive fashion and won themselves a penalty following an intervention from VAR. Troy Parrott, the Irish hero from Budapest, slotted home the spot kick and sent Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side into the lead. That lead doubled just minutes later as an own goal off goalkeeper Matej Kovar, from an Ireland corner, saw the visitors increase the deficit.
Czech Republic bounced back through a penalty of their own after Ryan Manning pulled down Ladislav Krejci inside the box and Patrik Schick converted from the spot.
Ireland led 2-1 at half-time but couldn’t hold on to their lead as Czech Republic dominated possession throughout the second half and secure an 86th minute equaliser as Ladislav Krejci headed home from a corner to force the play-off into extra-time and then a penalty shootout.
Ireland’s wait to reach a first World Cup finals since 2002 goes on while Czech Republic face Denmark in the play-off final on Tuesday 31 March.
Follow all the reaction from Czech Republic vs Ireland in our live blog below:
Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland LIVE
- Republic of Ireland beaten by Czech Republic in World Cup play-off semi-finals
- Czech Republic won penalty shootout 4-3 after misses from Alan Browne and Finn Azaz
- 86' GOAL! Krejci nods in headed equaliser (CZE 2-2 IRL)
- 27' GOAL! Schick converts from penalty spot (CZE 1-2 IRL)
- 23' GOAL! A deflection off Kovar doubles Ireland's lead (CZE 0-2 IRL)
- 19' GOAL! Parrott converts controversial penalty (CZE 0-1 IRL)
Wales endure more penalty heartbreak as World Cup hopes crushed by Bosnia
01:00 , Mike JonesWales suffered World Cup play-off heartbreak as Bosnia and Herzegovina won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Cardiff.
It was a cruel repeat of Wales’ exit in the Euro 2024 play-offs as spot-kicks again proved their undoing.
Wales were four minutes from booking a home play-off final against Italy – 2-0 winners over Northern Ireland – on Tuesday after Daniel James put them ahead with a stunning strike soon after half-time.
Wales endure more penalty heartbreak as World Cup hopes crushed by Bosnia
'We're disappointed'
00:00 , Mike JonesThe final word goes to Ireland’s vetern Seamus Coleman who said: "We started very well.
“Being away from home and going two goals up, it's very early to decide the game but we're disappointed to have let them back in.
"It was a physical game. They played a lot of long balls and so did we. We could have probably put our foot on the ball more at times.
“We'll dust ourselves down, but it's going to take a little time."
'We had done our homework'
23:56 , Mike JonesWinning goalkeeper Matej Kovar, who stopped two penalties during the shootout, says his team had ‘done our homework’ just in case theplay-off went all the way.
“We didn’t start well, but we handled it as a team and we’re moving on - that’s what matters most,” he explained.
"We prepared for the penalty shootout with both goalkeeping coaches and it paid off so I have to thank them. The players who stepped up had experience and we had done our homework."
Sammie Szmodics ‘knocked out cold’ in horror collision during Ireland’s World Cup playoff loss
23:49 , Luke BakerRepublic of Ireland midfielder Sammie Szmodics suffered a horror injury as he was stretchered off after being left unconscious following a heavy collision during the World Cup playoff semi-final defeat to Czech Republic.
Towards the end of extra-time in Prague, Szmodics collided with Czech player Stepan Chaloupek as they both competed in the air for a ball. Szmodics collapsed to the ground immediately and seemed to display involuntary arm movement.
Szmodics ‘knocked out cold’ in horror collision in Ireland’s World Cup playoff loss
'It was a physically demanding match
23:49 , Mike JonesHere’s some reaction from Ladislav Krejci.
The Czech captain said: “It was a physically demanding match, and for us centre-backs it was tough to deal with the runs behind our defence.
"The opening 20 minutes were difficult; we didn’t get into the game the way we wanted to, but we were playing in a new system and there were new elements to adapt to. Fortunately, it didn’t last any longer."
'Our job is to start again'
23:42 , Mike Jones"It's almost impossible,” Heimir Hallgrimsson said about consoling his players after such a defeat.
“You try to talk to them and encourage them. It takes time. Our job is to wake up tomorrow and start again."
'It could have gone either way'
23:35 , Mike JonesHallgrimsson also reflected on the game before the penalties and came to the conclusion that it could have gone either way.
He said: "All goals come at a bad time. I thought we were having control when the penalty came. It felt good.
“It always affects you psychologically when you concede so quickly after.
"There were some chances. Most came from set-pieces. That was the game. It could have gone either way."
'It was never a good football match'
23:28 , Mike JonesMore from the Republic of Ireland boss who said: "It was never a good football match. It was never under control from us or them. It was long balls, duels, crosses, set-pieces. That's how this game was decided.
"We talked about trying to take control of the game and play on the ground. But there was a lot of emotion in the game."
Ireland's penalty plan
23:21 , Mike JonesHallgrimsson added: "We had our first six or seven [takers] ready. Almost all of them were on the pitch when it came to it. We had planned for this."
Tuesday's play-offs
23:14 , Mike JonesAt the risk of rubbing salt into the very raw rounds, here’s the fixture list for Tuesday’s play-off finals:
Bosnia-Herzegovenia vs Italy
Czech Republic vs Denmark
Kosovo vs Turkey
Sweden vs Poland
Those are some testing matches and it would have been no guarantee that Ireland would have made it past Denmark even if they’d go through to the next round.
'We all feel pain'
23:10 , Mike JonesHere’s some reaction from Heimir Hallgrimsson who told RTE: "Just pain. We all feel pain.
“When you go this far it's a flip of a coin. Just pain we feel being that close."
Penalty anguish ends Ireland’s World Cup dream as Czech Republic advance to play-off final
23:09 , Mike JonesJan Kliment fired the Czech Republic to within 90 minutes of the World Cup finals as they broke Republic of Ireland hearts in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to set up a showdown with Denmark.
Substitute Kliment scored the decisive spot-kick at the Fortuna Arena after Finn Azaz and Alan Browne had seen their efforts saved by Matej Kovar to book a clash with the Danes on Tuesday night with a trip to the United States, Canada and Mexico at stake.
Penalty anguish ends Ireland’s World Cup dream as Czech Republic advance
The winning moment
23:02 , Mike JonesJan Kliment scored the decisive penalty for Czech Republic and sent them into the World Cup play-off final against Denmark.
The wait goes on
22:54 , Mike JonesIreland’s last outing at the World Cup was in 2002 under Mick McCarthy.
They will now have to wait until 2030 to have another chance at appearing at the tournament.
It’s four years away and will be 28 years since they last got there.
A bad night for British Isles
22:50 , Mike JonesThere were three opportunities for teams from the British Isles to progress tonight.
Northern Ireland were easily beaten by Italy.
Wales lost a penalty shootout to Bosnia & Herzegovenia.
Republic of Ireland lost a penalty shootout to Czech Republic.
A tough night all in.
A grand effort by Parrott
22:47 , Mike JonesOnly four players have scored more goals than Troy Parrott's six in European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Parrott's six goals all came in his last three matches.
Heartbreak for Ireland
22:43 , Mike JonesThis will be a tough one to get over.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men had led by two goals to nil in the first half before conceding twice and losing on penalties.
Their World Cup dream is over and they will not be advancing to face Denmark in the next round.
Penalties: Czech Republic 4-3 Ireland
22:36 , Mike JonesIt’s Jan Kliment with the final spot kick.
He smashes it and beats Kelleher!
Czech Republic are through to the World Cup play-off final.
Republic of Ireland are out!
Penalties: Czech Republic 3-3 Ireland
22:35 , Mike JonesAlan Browne is up to take Ireland’s final penalty of the first five.
He goes for the bottom left corner but Kovar is there to keep it out once more!
Czech Republic can win it now...
Penalties: Czech Republic 3-3 Ireland
22:34 , Mike JonesOne miss each from both teams.
Here’s Patrik Schick and he coolly rolls the ball into the bottom left corner.
All square.
Penalties: Czech Republic 2-3 Ireland
22:33 , Mike JonesFinn Azaz has the chance to compound the issue but he doesn’t!
Matej Kovar leaps to the left and denies him!
Penalties: Czech Republic 2-3 Ireland
22:32 , Mike JonesNow it’s the turn of Mojmir Chytil.
No one has missed yet but Chytil does!
He goes low to Kelleher’s right and the goalkeeper smothers it!
Advantage Ireland.
Penalties: Czech Republic 2-3 Ireland
22:32 , Mike JonesRobbie Brady takes and places the ball for Ireland with a siren blaring inside the stadium.
The Irishman goes to the right and scores!
Penalties: Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
22:31 , Mike JonesTomas Soucek steps up and rolls a fine effort into the bottom right corner.
Nothing to split the teams.
Penalties: Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
22:30 , Mike JonesNow it’s Adam Idah’s turn and he sidefoots it into the right hand side netting.
A faint touch of Kovar but Idah scores.
Penalties: Czech Republic 1-1 Ireland
22:29 , Mike JonesUp first for Czech Republic is Ladislav Krejci, the new captain and scorer of the equaliser.
He shoots to Kelleher’s right, the goalkeeper gets a hand to the ball but can’t keep it out!
Penalties: Czech Republic 0-1 Ireland
22:28 , Mike JonesIreland will be taking the first penalty and they’re shooting in front of the Czech fans.
Troy Parrott steps up for the first spot kick...
... he scores!
ET Full-time! Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
22:23 , Mike Jones120+4 mins: A draw to end proceedings on the pitch but this tie will be decided by a penalty shootout.
It’s anyone’s game now. Which team will go through to face Denmark on Tuesday?
ET Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
22:21 , Mike Jones120+2 mins: Ireland win a corner and have, perhaps, this one last chance to win this play-off.
Robbie Brady places the ball and whips it into the middle for the Irish.
There’s a bit of argy-bargy in the box but Czech Republic manage to head the ball clear.
ET Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
22:19 , Mike Jones120 mins: Four minutes off added time to play before a penalty shootout.
Will there be a winner?
ET Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
22:18 , Mike Jones120 mins: Szmodics is taken off on a stretcher and is replaced with Harvey Vale.
The youngster, a former England U19 captain, makes his debut for Ireland tonight with only stoppage time of extra-time remaining.
Sammie Szmodics is given a loud round of applause as he’s moved off the pitch.
ET Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
22:17 , Mike Jones117 mins: There’s a delay now as one of the Szmodics is down with an injury.
The physios are in and seeing to him. It looks like a bad one this.
ET Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
22:13 , Mike Jones114 mins: Jayson Molumby heads off the pitch with Sammie Szmodics introduced for the final few minutes.
ET Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
22:09 , Mike Jones111 mins: Both these teams look exhausted and penalties is probably the most likely of options.
They’d have taken that outcome at the start of the night I’m sure but Ireland look like they want the win.
They’re pushing up the pitch now, getting the ball wide and whipping in crosses.
ET Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
22:07 , Mike Jones108 mins: Ireland win a free kick as Molumby is brought down by Soucek after winning an aerial ball.
The free kick is punted forward but none of the Irish can get on the end of it.
ET Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
22:06 , Mike JonesThe second half gets underway in Prague.
ET Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
22:01 , Mike Jones105+1 mins: There goes the whistle to end the first half of extra-time.
A quick break now and then 15 more minutes before this tie is settled by penalties.
That is unless one of these teams scores a winning goal.
ET Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
21:58 , Mike Jones102 mins: Sadilek floats a cross into the box from the left but it sails over everyone.
Czech Republic recover possession and pen Ireland back again.
ET Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
21:53 , Mike Jones99 mins: Oh wow!
Karabec and Brady come together deep in Ireland’s half with the Czech attacker managing to thread a pass through to the arriving Soucek.
He meets the ball on the volley and lofts it over the top of the crossbar!
ET Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
21:51 , Mike Jones96 mins: Ogbene bombs it down the right wing on the counter-attack for Ireland.
He waits for his teammates to catch up and sends the ball into the box.
Parrott tries to turn the ball home but his effort is blocked.
ET Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
21:47 , Mike Jones93 mins: The hosts got the ball rolling once more with Ireland having made no changes.
They’ve still got plenty of subs at their disposal and fresh legs may be of use towards the latter stages of extra-time.
Parrott takes a shot from range and doesn’t catch it right. He hooks the ball high and wide and walks off in disappointment.
ET Kick off! Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
21:45 , Mike JonesAnother 30 minutes to play then to see if these teams can be separated.
It’s confirmed that the winner will now face Denmark on Tuesday after the Danes defeated North Macedonia 4-0.
But who will that be? Let’s find out.
Full-time! Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
21:40 , Mike JonesThere goes the whistle to end the first act of this play-off clash.
The Republic of Ireland led by two goals but had been reeled in and must now go through an extra 30 minutes to secure a place in the play-off final.
Can they do it?
Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
21:35 , Mike Jones90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play before this match is done and heads to extra-time.
Will we see a winning goal?
Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
21:34 , Mike Jones89 mins: Now Ireland have nothing to lose and as we know they like a bit of late drama.
The visitors are the ones on the attack but a foul from Azaz brings it to a premature end.
That goal hasn’t dimmed the spirits of the Irish, which is a good thing, and they’ll want to get that late winner now.
But so will Czech Republic.
GOAL! Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland (Ladislav Krejci, 86')
21:31 , Mike JonesHeartbreaking.
It’s a simple corner kick for the hosts that comes curling into the box.
Ladislav Krejci is the man who gets his head to the ball at the near post and nods it past Kelleher.
They equalise and this tie is wide open once again.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
21:30 , Mike Jones86 mins: More changes.
Michal Sadílek replaces Vladimir Coufal and David Jurasek is replaced by Adam Karabec for the Czechs.
Time is ticking away.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
21:27 , Mike Jones83 mins: Better from Ireland.
They’re keeping the ball up the pitch, putting a bit of pressure back on Czech Republic.
Another corner is headed out but Molumby flicks an aerial pass back into the penalty area.
Parrott is there and stretches for the ball but it drops too far from him and Kovar scoops it up.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
21:25 , Mike Jones80 mins: 10 minutes to go. This is where the nerves kick in, Ireland need to hang on and Czech Republic will push forward having nothing to lose.
Close!
A throw in is launched into the Czech box and finds O’Shea. He flicks it on to Parrott whose header looks to be dropping into the corner only for Kovar to leap and touch it past the post!
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
21:22 , Mike Jones76 mins: Here come the hosts.
They work the ball down the right wing before switching the play and having Krejci swing a cross into the box.
The ball goes out for a goal kick and Kelleher takes his time restarting play.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
21:20 , Mike Jones73 mins: Mojmir Chytil comes on to replace Tomas Chory as Ireland win a corner.
Brady heads over to take it and delivers a decent cross into the middle.
O’Shea is the target but Czech Republic manage to clear.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
21:15 , Mike Jones70 mins: 20 minutes to play in Prague and no change to the scoreline.
Ireland are holding onto their slender lead with the game becoming much scrappier.
Czech Republic aren’t advancing as far and Ireland look disciplined in defence.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
21:14 , Mike Jones67 mins: A double change made by Heimir Hallgrimsson now.
Ryan Manning and Jack Taylor are taken off with Robbie Brady and Alan Browne brought on.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
21:08 , Mike Jones63 mins: Also to note is the other match of importance this evening.
Denmark are beating North Macedonia 3-0 and look likely to take on the winner of this match.
Czech Republic are moving the ball slickly now, Ireland are being tasked to defend deep and they can’t get themselves up the pitch and in control of possession.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
21:06 , Mike Jones60 mins: An hour played in Prague and there’s a bit of momentum building for Czech Republic.
They’ve had the better chances in the second half and Ireland are digging in to keep them at bay.
The Czechs win themselves a corner that is swung into the box. Krejci wins it in the air but nods his effort over the bar.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
20:58 , Mike Jones54 mins: Another Ireland corner sees Azaz swing the ball into the area.
The initial cross is cleared to Jayson Molumby who rattles a shot from range and strikes the post!
The goalkeeper was beaten and Ireland hit the woodwork for the second time of the night!
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
20:57 , Mike Jones51 mins: The longer this games goes on with Ireland in the lead the more nervous the hosts will become.
Ireland just need to maintain their composure.
Coufal flicks a cross into the box from the right and picks out Krejci who turns a headed effort towards goal.
It’s looping but Kelleher gets his hand to it and tips the ball over the bar.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
20:54 , Mike Jones48 mins: Parrott is fouled in the middle of the pitch by Robin Hranac giving him a shove in the back as he tries to control the ball.
Kelleher comes out to take the set piece and launches it forward.
There’s a tussle and Ireland win a throw in.
Second half! Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
20:51 , Mike JonesTwo changes for Czech Republic at the half-time break with Stepan Chaloupek and Tomas Soucek brought on to replace Tomas Holes and Vladimir Darida.
The hosts restart the match.
HT Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
20:41 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
20:34 , Mike JonesA thrilling first 45 minutes comes to a close in Prague with Ireland taking a slender lead into the break.
They started as the more positive side and earned their two goals, though the opener was a soft penalty.
Czech Republic responded through a penalty of their own but have grown into the game.
As things stand Ireland are progressing to the next round of the play-offs.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
20:32 , Mike Jones45 mins: Schick shoulders O’Shea to the ground as another long pass comes up the pitch.
The Czech goalscorer is punished with a free kick awarded against him and that angers the partisan support inside the ground.
Three minutes of stoppage time to play at the end of the first half.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
20:28 , Mike Jones42 mins: The Irish corner is sent deep with Jack Taylor the target. It goes over him but Ireland quickly recover and recycle the ball.
It comes to Finn Azaz on the right side of the box. He brings it down, spins, and gets off a curling shot which lands in the hands of the Matej Kovar.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
20:27 , Mike Jones39 mins: Ogbene brings down a nice pass over on the right wing and looks to take on Krecji.
The Czech captain takes no nonsense and lunges at the ball poking it away from the attacker and out for a corner.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
20:23 , Mike Jones36 mins: Tomas Chory is the target for a cross field pass but he can’t bring the ball under control inside the Irish box.
The ball goes over his head and bobbles out for a goal kick.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
20:20 , Mike Jones33 mins: Parrott looks to hold up the ball after receiving a throw in but he’s got men around him and can’t quite direct the offloaded pass.
Ireland recover it though and send the ball back to Kelleher.
He’s put under pressure from the high press but flicks the ball back into midfield where the visitors win a free kick.
Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
20:17 , Mike Jones30 mins: Half an hour played and there doesn’t look to be any drop in tempo as both teams through themselves at each other.
Ireland’s two goals were very much needed but the penalty for Czech Republic has brought them new life.
Seamus Coleman wins a free kick inside the hosts’ final third and will look to deliver a cross...
GOAL! Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland (Patrik Schick, 27')
20:13 , Mike JonesPatrik Schick sets the ball on the spot and lifts it to the right side of the goal.
Kelleher stretches out a hand but can’t reach it and the Czech Republic pull on back.
Czech Republic 0-2 Ireland
20:12 , Mike Jones26 mins: Penalty to Czech Republic!
No sooner as the game restarted than the hosts win a corner.
The ball comes over to the captain, Ladislav Krejci, who has his shirt pulled by Ryan Manning and goes down.
There’s hope for the Czechs...
GOAL! Czech Republic 0-2 Ireland (Matej Kovar OG, 23')
20:10 , Mike JonesAnother one!
Ireland are on cloud nine.
They win a corner that is whipped over to the back post. There arrives Dara O’Shea who nods it back into the six-yard box.
Vladimir Coufal looks to lift the ball out of play but hits the crossbar.
The rebound whacks Matej Kovar on the shoulder and deflects the ball over the line. Ireland double their lead!
Czech Republic 0-1 Ireland
20:08 , Mike Jones22 mins: Czech Republic will feel aggrieved by that penalty decision. It was a soft one but they need to keep their composure if they’re to overturn this deficit.
Ireland have been the better team. Chiedozie Ogbene weaves down the right wing and looks for Parrott with a pull back pass.
The striker overruns the ball and Czech Republic deal with it.
GOAL! Czech Republic 0-1 Ireland (Troy Parrott, 19')
20:05 , Mike JonesWho else?
Ireland’s goalscoring hero, Troy Parrott, places the ball on the spot. He takes a breath then blasts the penalty to the goalkeeper’s right.
He finds the corner and Ireland take the lead in this tie!
Czech Republic 0-0 Ireland
20:03 , Mike Jones16 mins: Oh hello! Penalty to Ireland!
There’s an ongoing VAR check over a potential penalty for Ireland. This incident came before Sulc’s effort.
The replays have shown that Vladimir Darida kicked the underside of Nathan Collins’ boot as both men challenged for an aerial ball.
It’s a tough one for the hosts but Ireland will take this opportunity to get themselves ahead!
Czech Republic 0-0 Ireland
20:02 , Mike Jones13 mins: A long ball up the pitch looks to play Vladimir Coufal into the Ireland box as he arrives from the right.
Manning holds him at bay before poking the ball clear.
It comes to Pavel Sulc who lets fly from range and and fizzes the shot into the hands of Caoimhin Kelleher.
Czech Republic 0-0 Ireland
19:58 , Mike Jones10 mins: A great start from Ireland who look hungry and positive going forward.
Czech Republic haven’t quite clicked into gear yet but the noise level inside the stadium is encouraging for the hosts.
Czech Republic 0-0 Ireland
19:54 , Mike Jones7 mins: CROSSBAR!
There’s a bit of pinball inside the penalty area as Czech Republic look to clear their lines.
The ball drops to Nathan Collins who hooks a shot at goal and rattles the crossbar after a deflection off the nearest defender!
A close one for Ireland.
Czech Republic 0-0 Ireland
19:53 , Mike Jones6 mins: Ireland were winless after their first three qualifying matches but ended on a high to reach this stage of qualifying.
That will give them confidence in this clash.
Tomas Holes takes the full force of an attempted clearance in the chest and needs a moment to catch his breath.
The ball goes out of play and Jake O’Brien flings a throw in into the box.
Czech Republic 0-0 Ireland
19:50 , Mike Jones3 mins: Ireland win the first corner of the game and Ryan Manning whips in the cross.
It’s headed out as far as Jayson Molumby who shoots from range but sees his effort blocked.
Kick off! Czech Republic 0-0 Ireland
19:47 , Mike JonesIreland get the ball rolling in Prague. It’s been over 20 years for the Irish since they last featured at the World Cup and they’ll hope that this campaign will put them their this summer.
First up though is a tricky test against the Czechs.
Czech Republic vs Ireland
19:40 , Mike JonesThe players make their way out of the tunnel at the Fortuna Arena.
Nathan Collins leads the Republic of Ireland. Can they move one step closer to the World Cup tonight?
Will Coleman feature?
19:35 , Mike JonesIreland vice-captain Seamus Coleman will be aged 37 years and 166 days on the day of this game.
An appearance would make him their eighth oldest outfield player, and oldest since John Aldridge in October 1996 (38 years, 21 days vs Macedonia).
Ireland's danger man
19:30 , Mike JonesTroy Parrott has scored five goals in his last two games for the Republic of Ireland, netting two against Portugal and a hat-trick against Hungary.
He’s the fourth player to net 2+ goals in consecutive Eire appearances, after Jimmy Dunne (May 1936), Robbie Keane (June 2013) and Callum Robinson (October 2021).
No one has achieved that in three games in a row.
Four in a row
19:25 , Mike JonesRepublic of Ireland have won their last three games in a row, all in World Cup qualifying.
They haven’t won four games in a row since May/June 2011, while in competitive fixtures they last managed that between November 2006 and March 2007, all in European Championship qualifiers.
Ominious signs for Ireland
19:20 , Mike JonesCzech Republic are unbeaten in their last 17 home qualifying matches for major tournaments (World Cup/European Championship).
They have won 13 and drawn four since a 2-1 defeat to Germany in September 2017 in World Cup qualifying.
Time to progress?
19:15 , Mike JonesThis will be the Republic of Ireland’s sixth World Cup play-off.
They were eliminated ahead of the 1966, 1998, 2010 and 2018 World Cups, and progressed for the 2002 World Cup after eliminating Iran.
Will history repeat itself?
19:10 , Mike JonesThis is the second consecutive World Cup qualifying campaign that will see Czech Republic play in the play-offs.
In March 2022, they lost 1-0 in the semi-final in Solna against Sweden.
Will history repeat itself?
Czech Republic vs Ireland
19:05 , Mike JonesThis is the first meeting between Czech Republic and the Republic of Ireland since a February 2012 friendly.
That finished as a 1-1 draw at the Aviva Stadium with Simon Cox equalising late on for Ireland after Milan Baros gave the away side the lead early in the second half.
The clever psychological tricks which could send Ireland to first World Cup in 24 years
19:00 , Miguel DelaneyThe Irish players had only got back to Dublin this week when all of the emotion from Hungary came flooding back. You can see it in the smiles, the readiness. Some of it is just being among the squad again, with the World Cup now in sight. Some of it is what Heimir Hallgrimsson has already said to them this week, before an initial play-off away to Czech Republic.
The four-month wait since Troy Parrott’s heroics has at least allowed a manager as measured as the Icelander a lot of time to think about this week of weeks for Ireland, and he’s long known what he’s going to say to his squad and when – as well as what his tactical approach will be.
The psychological tricks which could send Ireland to first World Cup in 24 years
Czech Republic vs Ireland team changes
18:55 , Mike JonesMiroslav Koubek's first line-up as Czech Republic boss sees Tomas Soucek excluded from the starting XI though he does make the bench.
For Ireland, there are two changes from the win over Hungary in November.
Ryan Manning replaces the suspended Liam Scales at left wing-back and Jack Taylor comes in for the injured Josh Cullen in midfield.
Czech Republic team to face Ireland
18:50 , Mike JonesCzech Republic XI: Kovar, Coufal, Holes, Hranac, Krejci, Jurasek, Provod, Darida
Subs: Hornicek, Jedlicka, Zeleny, Vitik, Chaloupek, Cerv, Sadilek, Soucek, Karabac, Visinsky, Kliment, Chytil. , Shick, Sulc, Chory.
Ireland team to take on Czech Republic
18:46 , Mike JonesIreland XI: Kelleher, Coleman, O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea, Manning, Taylor, Molumby, Azaz, Ogbene, Parrott
STARTING XI | Czechia v Ireland
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 26, 2026
Ryan Manning & Jack Taylor the only two changes from the side that beat Hungary in November 💪
Kick-off in 90 minutes, with a packed away end supporting us. Let’s hear you 💚🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/5A4Ie6rwOa
A final word from Coleman
18:42 , Mike JonesSeamus Coleman has warned that the Irish squad are ready for a tough game and are prepared for this play-off.
He said: "It's going to be tough, it's going to be fiery out there. Maybe two years ago, it would have been a lot for the young lads to take.
"But I think everyone now has stepped up and are prepared for what's to come. We absolutely, no doubt about it, understand that it's going to be a tough game for us but it's also going to be a tough game for them as well.”
How will Ireland prepare for Czech Republic?
18:36 , Mike Jones“We’re not overly-analysing them,” Heimir Hallgrimsson admitted.
“We are just focusing on ourselves, trying to build on what we’ve been doing. We all know this coach will have played a different formation from what they have done before, so we're just planning and preparing for both.
“But we are not overly concerned about what he will throw at us, we know from his past games in his club, what he prefers, if he's going to do all of those changes to the national team, we just have to see.”
Looking ahead
18:30 , Mike JonesTonight's winners will face Denmark or North Macedonia in the play-off final on Tuesday.
Victory there would seal a place at this summer's finals alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and South Korea in Group A.
Can Republic of Ireland defy the odds and make it to the World Cup proper?
Confident Krejci
18:24 , Mike JonesLadislav Krejci, Czech Republic’s new captain after Tomas Soucek was stripped of the armband, was very confident ahead of tonight’s play-off.
"We will make it," the 26-year-old Wolves defender said of his country's bid to reach a first World Cup since 2006.
"We will reach our goal. We will qualify for the World Cup."
'We know not to be over-ambitious'
18:18 , Mike JonesHere’s more pre-match thoughts from Heimir Hallgrimsson who outlined what Ireland need to be aware of for tonight’s match.
"That's kind of the psychology for a game like this,” he said.
“We all know by now why we got good results and good performances, and that's the key, not be over-ambitious, stay on point, focus on why we are here and trying to improve that, not only this game, continuously."
Ireland's matchday squad
18:12 , Mike JonesThis selection of 23 players will be whittled down even further when the team news drops later in this hour but here’s the full Irish squad tasked with getting past Czech Republic tonight.
Our 23-man matchday squad is in 🇮🇪🙌 pic.twitter.com/GALsclxbWD
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 26, 2026
'It's a huge game'
18:06 , Mike JonesSouthampton midfielder Finn Azaz spoke to RTE about the magnitude of tonight's game for Republic of Ireland.
"Yeah, there's no point in denying it, it's a huge game but I think our mentality as a team is really strong and I think we know how big it is.
"But we also know that we're capable of winning the game. The November camp showed us what we're capable of. We're going into the knowing how big it is but also with the knowledge of what we're capable of now."
Troy Parrott on becoming Republic of Ireland’s hero, Mourinho’s impact and searching for ‘big moments’
18:00 , Miguel DelaneyIt was a moment that caused many Irish people to lose their capacity for rational thought. It was already the kind of high-stakes circumstance where the intensity of emotion overrides everything else, but there was none of that for the man at the centre.
Troy Parrott was alert to everything, which was exactly how he scored the goal that meant everything to a nation dreaming of reaching the Fifa World Cup 2026.
“It’s more of a mental thing,” the 24-year-old says now, sitting in a very relaxed mood in his Amsterdam apartment. “It’s just getting in the box and hoping that the ball is going to fall.”
Troy Parrott on becoming Republic of Ireland’s hero and Mourinho’s impact
'It's important to be ready'
17:54 , Mike Jones"It's important to be ready and visualise what's ahead of us," said Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson.
"It's important now to do a session at the stadium, for example, just to feel the atmosphere, see the stadium, feel the grass, etc, knowing what to expect, knowing what they are saying and how they see this game.
"And then it's just tactical, being ready for what they will throw at us and do what we need to do and just remind ourselves why we are in this position, continue to grow and do the same things that we have been doing.”
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
