World Cup qualifiers: Ireland to face Czech Republic in first playoff

Republic of Ireland will face Czech Republic in the World Cup qualifiers on Thursday, March 26 in a bid to make the big stage for the first time since 2002.

While Ireland beat Iran over two legs to reach the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, they'll have win on the road in the clash with the Czech before a playoff decider on Tuesday, March 31, against Denmark or North Macedonia, to secure passage to America next year.

The good news is the draw has given Ireland home advantage if they beat Czechia.

The Danes were beaten late on against Scotland at Hampden Park in their last group game earlier this week and will be favourites to defeat North Macedonia. 

Ireland will be underdogs in Prague but no one expected them to record back-to-back wins over Portugal and Hungary either.

Four Cork players were heavily involved in those victories, Caoimhhín Kelleher, Chiedozie Ogbene, Adam Idah and Jake O'Brien.

Wales will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in their World Cup qualifying play-off semi-finals in March.

Craig Bellamy’s side secured their place by finishing second behind Belgium in qualifying Group J and will be the home team for the one-off match.

Should Wales win, they will face either Italy or Northern Ireland for a place at the finals in North America next summer.

Northern Ireland, who qualified through the Nations League, have been handed the difficult task of travelling to Italy for their play-off semi-final.