Republic of Ireland will take on Czech Republic in the FIFA World Cup play-off semi-finals, with Denmark or North Macedonia awaiting in the final, which would be in Dublin if the Boys in Green progress.
The play-off semi-finals draw saw Ireland pitted in the fourth path against the Czechs away from home.
For Heimir Hallgrimsson's side, the joy of the last few days – and the famous wins over Portugal and Hungary – now gives way to the focus of a trip to Prague.
There is a potential for a World Cup play-off final rematch with the Danes after they defeated Ireland 5-1 in 2017.
The Republic of Ireland have been drawn away to Czech Republic in their World Cup play-off semi-final, with Denmark or North Macedonia awaiting the winner in the final. That final will be played in Dublin if Ireland win their semi-final. https://t.co/28hIYCLRXV pic.twitter.com/zIwXqa7lGb
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 20, 2025
The clash with Czech Republic will be on Thursday, 26 March at 7.45pm Irish time, with the final the following Tuesday for the winners of each tie, also with a 7.45pm kick-off.
The Czechs are ranked 44th in the world. Given Ireland could have played two other higher-ranked nations, the draw has been somewhat favourable, particularly when a home final is factored in.
Tickets for the game will be limited for Irish fans. Czech Republic play at the the Letna Stadium, with a capacity of just under 18,000. UEFA guidelines could mean visiting fans receive around 1,000 tickets.
Former Ireland boss Brian Kerr told RTÉ Radio 1: "I think the Czechia draw was the second best option. I think people would have felt that Slovakia was the best option.
"I think it's quite a good draw.
"Everybody wants to get there. But we've got a chance. We're in with a shot.
"It'll be a massive draw for the Czechs too, of course. And they will probably feel confident. But I think from our point of view, it is not the worst option once we knew we had to go away.
"If we can get through that, which won't be easy, we've got a home game, possibly with Denmark or North Macedonia, who shouldn't be ruled out, despite the fact that they were beaten 7-1 by Wales."
Northern Ireland, who qualified through the Nations League, have been handed the difficult task of travelling to Italy for their play-off semi-final.
The stakes are high for the Azzurri, who have failed to qualify for the last two World Cups.
Wales will face Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Should Wales win, they will face either Italy or Northern Ireland for a place at the finals in North America next summer.
Thursday, 26 March 2026
Play-off semi-final:
1945 Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland
Tuesday, 31 March 2026
Play-off final:
1945 Czech Republic/Republic of Ireland v Denmark/North Macedonia
