The Republic of Ireland is poised to embark on its journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the recent play-off draw. Troy Parrott’s remarkable last-minute goal against Hungary secured Ireland’s place in the play-offs, positioning them behind group leaders Portugal. With their World Cup aspirations still alive, Ireland joins 16 other European nations vying for a coveted spot in the finals.
Upcoming Play-off Fixtures for 2026 World Cup
The play-off matches will take place in March 2024, after the World Cup group-stage draw, scheduled for December 5, 2023. From this pool of teams, only four will earn a place in Group A at the World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Key Dates and Matches
- March 26, 2024: Semi-finals
- March 31, 2024: Final match
Each play-off round is structured as a single-leg knockout, intensifying the competition for the teams involved. The Republic of Ireland will travel to Czechia for their semi-final encounter. If successful, they will host the final match against either Denmark or North Macedonia.
Full Semi-Final Draw
| Path | Matchup | Final Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Path A | Italy vs. Northern Ireland | Home final |
| Path A | Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina | Home final |
| Path B | Ukraine vs. Sweden | Home final |
| Path B | Poland vs. Albania | N/A |
| Path C | Turkey vs. Romania | N/A |
| Path C | Slovakia vs. Kosovo | Home final |
| Path D | Denmark vs. North Macedonia | Home final |
| Path D | Czechia vs. Republic of Ireland | Home final |
As excitement builds for the World Cup 2026, the Republic of Ireland will look to overcome these hurdles and mark their return to the tournament for the first time since 2002. The upcoming matches represent a critical opportunity for the team and its supporters alike.
