Can Ireland make it through the play-offs to the World Cup? | OneFootball

Ireland are two matches away from booking a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The play-offs are single-leg ties, meaning Ireland must win their semi-final and the final to make it to the World Cup.

Ireland’s path is clear. They travel to Czechia for the semi-final on March 26. If they make it through, they will either Denmark or North Macedonia in the final on March 31.

The format

This set-up can be a leveller. A single game often rewards the team that manages emotions better, starts faster, and avoids the one catastrophic mistake.

There’s no ‘we’ll fix it in the second leg’ safety net, meaning game management, set-pieces and substitutions become decisive.

For Ireland, that’s both encouraging and daunting. If they’re organised, clinical, and stubborn, the format can work for them. But if they concede early or waste chances, the clock becomes their enemy.

Semi-final vs Czechia

Czechia away is a proper test. Ireland will set out to stay in the game as long as possible, keeping it level into the second half, so the pressure builds on the home side.

Ireland also need to be braver in possession than they sometimes are. In tight ties, simply clearing lines invites wave after wave.

A functional play to win second balls, keep two or three passing options close, and knock Czechia out of their rhythm could be the difference between winning and losing.

It’s also important that Ireland take advantage of set-pieces. In knockout football, corners and free kicks are a reliable route to goal.

Ireland don’t need to dominate the action if they can be effective from dead-ball situations.

If they reach the final

If Ireland win in Prague, the final is likely to feel like a national event, because it’s one night, at home, for a place at the World Cup.

Denmark bring tournament pedigree and structure – North Macedonia possess giant-killing confidence. Either way, Ireland would need a ruthless edge in both boxes.

The encouraging part is psychological. Ireland already know they can raise their level against elite opponents. Beating Portugal 2-0 in qualifying proved they can deliver in the big moments.

The players who can swing it

To get through two single-leg matches, Ireland will need their difference-makers. Troy Parrott has shown he can produce in decisive moments, and Ireland will hope Evan Ferguson can get amongst the goals too.

At the other end of the pitch, having a keeper of Caoimhin Kelleher’s quality matters when a tie could go to penalties or hinge on one big save.

Just as important will be the spine of the team. Centre-backs need to win first contacts, midfielders must protect the middle of the park, and full-backs will have to get up and down the pitch.

Conclusion

Even if Ireland make it through, the step up at the tournament is huge. World Cup betting odds won’t be in Ireland’s favour.

That’s not disrespect – it’s simply the reality of a team that’s had to qualify the hard way. But the aim for now is precisely that. Taking it one game at a time and making it to the World Cup finals, starting with Czechia on March 26.