So, here we are. It is 2026. If you’re an Ireland fan, you probably haven't slept properly since that Troy Parrott hat-trick in Budapest last November. Honestly, the way this team has clawed its way back from the brink under Heimir Hallgrímsson is nothing short of a miracle.
We came second in Group F. We stared down Portugal at the Aviva and won 2-0. Now, the republic of ireland football team fixtures are the only thing anyone in the country is talking about. We are exactly one play-off path away from the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
It’s been 24 years since Saipan. 24 years since Robbie Keane's late equalizer against Germany. The drought has been long, but the schedule for March is finally set.
The Big One: Czechia vs Ireland
Everything comes down to this. No second chances. No "we'll get them in the return leg."
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Boys in Green head to Prague. We’re facing Czechia in the FIFA World Cup Qualifying Play-Off Semi-Final. The match is set for the Fortuna Arena, and if you haven't booked your flights yet, good luck with the prices.
Kick-off is at 19:45 local time (that’s 6:45 PM for us back home).
Czechia are a tough nut to crack at home. They’ve got a disciplined backline and a midfield that can boss possession if you let them. But Hallgrímsson has turned this Irish side into a counter-attacking machine. Evan Ferguson is fit, firing, and seemingly scoring every time he touches the ball for Brighton, which is exactly what we need for a winner-takes-all night in Prague.
What happens if we win?
If—and it’s a big "if," but let’s be optimistic—we get past the Czechs, the republic of ireland football team fixtures get even more intense.
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The Play-Off Final is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
One game for a plane ticket to the World Cup. We don’t know the opponent yet, but it’ll be the winner of the other semi-final in our path. Based on the way the seeds fell, it’s looking like a potential showdown against someone like Denmark or North Macedonia.
A Look Back: How We Got Here
You kinda have to appreciate the journey. Last year was a rollercoaster. We started the qualifiers with a messy 2-2 draw against Hungary in Dublin. People were calling for Heimir’s head after we lost 2-1 to Armenia in Yerevan. It felt like the same old story.
Then something clicked.
- October 14, 2025: A gritty 1-0 win over Armenia at the Aviva. Ferguson finally broke the deadlock in the 70th minute.
- November 13, 2025: The night the Aviva shook. Ireland 2, Portugal 0. Troy Parrott scored twice in the first half and we just... held on. Seeing Cristiano Ronaldo frustrated by a Nathan Collins masterclass was worth the ticket price alone.
- November 16, 2025: The 3-2 win in Budapest. Parrott’s 96th-minute winner secured second place and 10 points total.
We finished just three points behind Portugal. If we hadn't slipped up in Yerevan, we might be talking about direct qualification right now. But being Irish means doing things the hard way. It’s in our DNA.
Key Dates for the 2026 Calendar
While the Senior Men are the main event, the FAI has a packed schedule for the rest of the year.
March 26 isn't just about Prague. The U21s are playing Moldova at home in a Euro 2027 qualifier. If you can’t make it to Czechia, getting down to Tallaght to see the next generation is a solid shout.
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Later in the year, the Women’s National Team (WNT) has a massive double-header against Poland in April for the 2027 World Cup Qualifiers.
- April 14: Poland vs Ireland (Away)
- April 18: Ireland vs Poland (Home - likely Aviva or Tallaght)
Basically, if you’re a fan of the green jersey, your bank account is going to take a hit this spring.
The Hallgrímsson Factor
Heimir is a dentist. We know the jokes. But the man has a "small nation" blueprint that works. He did it with Iceland in 2016, and he’s doing it here.
He’s brought John O’Shea back into the fold as Assistant Head Coach, which was a genius move for continuity. Paddy McCarthy is there too. They’ve built a squad that actually looks like it enjoys defending.
We aren't playing "Total Football." We aren't Barcelona. We are a team that is hard to beat, dangerous on set pieces, and clinical when Ferguson gets a sniff of goal. Against Czechia, that's exactly what will be required.
Practical Tips for Fans Heading to Prague
If you are one of the lucky ones heading to the republic of ireland football team fixtures in March, keep a few things in mind.
The Fortuna Arena in Prague is a fantastic stadium, but the away section is relatively small compared to the demand. Tickets are already surfacing on resale sites for over $200, which is steep.
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- Transport: Prague has an incredible tram system. Don’t bother with Ubers to the stadium; the tram is faster and cheaper.
- Weather: It’s March in Central Europe. It will be cold. It might even snow. Pack the heavy coat and the lucky scarf.
- The Venue: Fortuna Arena (also known as Eden Arena) is in the Vršovice district. There are plenty of great pubs nearby, but they will fill up hours before the 19:45 kick-off.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Play-offs
There’s a misconception that coming from a four-team group (like we did in Group F) makes us "fresher."
The truth is, the intensity of those six games against Portugal and Hungary was exhausting. Portugal’s 9-1 demolition of Armenia in the final game showed just how high the ceiling is in European football. Ireland isn't at that level of clinical finishing yet, but our defensive record—only 7 goals conceded in 6 games—is what gives us a chance in a one-off play-off.
We aren't the favorites. Czechia are higher in the FIFA rankings. They have the home-field advantage. But since when has being the underdog stopped us?
Final Thoughts on the Road Ahead
The path to the 2026 World Cup is narrow. It's steep. It's probably going to involve at least one heart-stopping penalty shootout.
But for the first time in a long time, the republic of ireland football team fixtures feel like appointments with destiny rather than just obligations. The belief is back. Whether it’s Ferguson’s hold-up play or Kelleher’s heroics in goal, this team has found a spine.
If you’re planning your trip or just clearing your schedule for the TV, make sure you have March 26 and March 31 circled in red.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the official FAI website for the final ticket allocation for the Prague trip. If you're staying home, verify your TV license or streaming subscription for RTÉ/Viaplay, as these high-stakes play-offs often have shifting broadcast rights. Lastly, keep an eye on the injury reports for Evan Ferguson and Nathan Collins over the next few weeks; their presence is the difference between a dream summer and another "what if" story.