Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has called for belief – and plenty of it – after his side's path to the 2026 World Cup was mapped out at Thursday's play-off draw.
Coming out of Pot 3, Ireland will be away to Czech Republic in the play-off semi-final, and should they win that, they’ll welcome Denmark or North Macedonia to the Aviva Stadium with both games scheduled for March 2026.
Speaking to RTÉ Soccer correspondent Tony O’Donoghue just minutes after the draw in Zurich, Hallgrimsson said he wasn't too hung up on who Ireland drew for the semi-final, stressing that all four were potentially tricky opponents.
"It was always going to be a tricky and difficult first match," said Hallgrimsson.
"All the (four possible) teams playing at home, higher ranked than us – I really didn't mind which one it was.
"Maybe we thought Poland would be the trickiest one, but all of the others are similar.
"But we're on a high at the moment, long may that continue, that we keep on improving.
"It was kind of funny to see the reaction of who were there. Some were disappointed to be in the play-offs, others were excited to be in the play-offs.
"It was mixed emotions, looking at the coaches and speaking to them before. But we're happy we're here.
"This is what we wanted. And now we need to maximise the moment."
"We need to believe more and more."
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 20, 2025
Instant reaction to the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off draw from Heimir Hallgrimsson as he talks to RTÉ soccer correspondent Tony O’Donoghue. pic.twitter.com/t9eHIBwLSX
The March encounter will be Ireland's first competitive game in Prague since the 1-0 defeat back in September 2007, which formally ended the visitors' already slim hopes of reaching Euro 2008 after a chaotic campaign.
The Czechs have endured some chaos of their own in this campaign, which was marred by a 5-1 defeat to table-toppers Croatia and then, even more notoriously, a 2-1 away loss to the Faroe Islands in October.
This latter result led to the sacking of manager Ivan Hasek, who has since been replaced by interim appointment Jaroslav Kostl.
"Not so different teams I would say, Hungary and Czech Republic, but we need to analyse them now, but we have plenty of time," said Hallgrimsson.
"I didn't watch much of their group, so we need to just start now.
"We need to get Ger [Dunne] and Shane Power, our analysts, to go over them. Obviously, we'll be looking ourselves at their matches.
"That's going to be the task for the next month or so, and then we start our preparation."
The draw did provide a potential boon for Ireland with a home tie in the offing if they can get a result in Prague.
However, probable opponents Denmark - who will be heavy favourites to beat North Macedonia - could trigger painful memories for the home side.
The Ireland manager admitted he was keen to avoid Denmark and Italy from Pot 1, though he stressed they had another challenge to navigate beforehand.
"Yeah, that was the exciting part for me, was to see if we get a home or away match for the second one.
"Even though Denmark lost to Scotland in the last game, they are probably one of the strongest sides, in my opinion, in this draw.
"It might be Macedonia, but we need to just focus on us winning our game.
"They are a really good team with high-quality players. I would say they are the best Scandinavian nation and have been for a long time. They normally qualify for all tournaments.
"So, them and Italy were the ones that I wanted to avoid, but this is just a play-off and everything can happen in a cup final. So, let's hope for the best."
The draw capped off a week to remember for Ireland, whose chances of reaching the play-offs appeared to have been holed beneath the waterline following Hungary's win in Armenia last Thursday evening.
Hallgrimsson's side proceeded to beat both Portugal and Hungary in sensational fashion, an improbable pair of results which provoked an outpouring of euphoria back home and dramatically changed the temperature around the national team.
Reflecting on the change in fortunes, Hallgrimsson was quick to stress that it was "no fluke".
"Obviously, it means a lot for me, but I feel so good for the players," said the Icelander.
"I told you guys I believed in these players. It's a good core and they are starting to believe in themselves and that's the most important thing.
"Obviously, it has been a heavy shirt for them for a long time.
"They've been criticised a lot and just to get the reward, even though it will only mean this [a play-off appearance], hopefully there will be better days coming.
"To have this kind of appreciation from the supporters and the Irish nation is so well deserved.
"Let's also just reflect on why this happened. It's not a fluke. Let's just not forget ourselves in celebrating and then waking up some time later to what happened.
"So, let's just reflect on what happened, why this happened and try to build on that and improve everything that we are doing.
"Both me, the players and the association, this is a time to grow.
"This is a time of growth and let's everyone - you included Tony - let's try to grow and make things happen in the future. Good times are coming."
In the lead-in to the Portugal game, it was widely assumed that Hallgrimsson would be departing following the conclusion of the campaign.
The mood has shifted dramatically since then, though the manager insists he is currently focused on seeing out his contract until the end of July.
"It's always nice to be where there is success, but we know as coaches, it comes and goes. I've been lucky and privileged to be in an environment that has been successful.
"Obviously, you always want to be where success is, but let's finish this one like I've said from the beginning.
"I always intend to stay at least until the end of the World Cup, which is in July, so we have plenty of time to discuss that."
As to whether he wishes to stay on for the home Euros in 2028: "Everybody would like to be a part of that."
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