World Cup Play-Off semi-final: Ireland lose out on penalties to Czechia
Kenneth Fox
The Republic of Ireland have missed out on the 2026 World Cup after losing out to the Czech Republic 4-3 on penalties.
Harsh end for the team as Azaz and Browne miss. They hit the post twice in normal time, fine margins.
Full-time: Very hard to win penalties away from home, as shown by Ireland players having to deal with a strange ambulance-like noise to put them off for their penalties and jeering.
120 mins: Four minutes stoppage time after the break for Szmodics’ injury. Jimmy Dunne wins a corner for Ireland...
Half-time in extra-time: Czech Republic 2 Ireland 2
The Czechs have an excellent record in penalty shootouts. A goal in this 15-minute spell wouldn’t go amiss.
100 mins: Ireland are struggling a bit, they look leggy and the midfield is not really getting up to support the attack.
86 mins: Goal for the Czech Republic! It was Captain Krejci from a corner. Great ball to the front post, and he was facing away from goal, but he was too close not to score.
45 minutes- that was a very positive half of football by Ireland. Deserved to lead overall, although they will be annoyed to give a goal back after Manning’s unnecessary foul straight after scoring the second.
25 minutes- Goal for Czech Republic! Patrik Schick steps up and scores. Well taken against Kelleher.
23 minutes- O’Shea heads it back from a deep corner by Manning and the Czechs are all over the place, Coufal mistimes the header and seems to be an own goal into his own net. Wasn’t immediately clear if it was over the line, but the referee gives it.
19 minutes-Troy Parrott has given Ireland the lead. A big break in action and lots of booing from a hostile crowd, but he slots it into the corner from the penalty spot.
Troy Parrott will lead the line for the Republic of Ireland's World Cup Play-Off semi-final against Czechia.
He is supported in the attack by Finn Azaz and Chieo Ogbene.
Caoimhin Kelleher is in goal with a defence of Seamus Coleman, Jake O'Brien, Dara O'Shea, Ryan Manning and captain Nathan Collins.
Jack Taylor and Jayson Molumby are in the centre of midfield.
The Ireland boss, Hemir Hallgrímsson, says they want to "put a smile on the faces" of the large travelling support in Prague.
STARTING XI | Czechia v Ireland
Ryan Manning & Jack Taylor the only two changes from the side that beat Hungary in November 💪
Kick-off in 90 minutes, with a packed away end supporting us. Let’s hear you 💚🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/5A4Ie6rwOa
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 26, 2026
