World Cup Qualification Playoffs - March 2026

[Kingdom]

I'm not how it has come to pass, but the Indo are floating the possibility of Diggsy being recalled for the playoff, due to form and injuries/absences.

[SkStu]

I should know this but when is the squad announcement?

[Kingdom]

I should know this but when is the squad announcement?

Not telling

[pixiehead]

https://www.the42.ie/adam-idah-boost-6983234-Mar2026/ # ADAM IDAH HAS returned to training with Swansea City after three months out with a hamstring injury. Club boss Vitor Matos confirmed that the Cork native won’t be available for tomorrow’s Championship game with Wrexham but is closer to making his comeback. It is a timely boost for Heimir Hallgrímsson ahead of next Thursday’s squad announcement for the World Cup play-off with Czechia at the of this month. “Adam is back in training, of course it is the early stages of that so he needs time to adapt again to the intensity and find momentum. “He is not quite ready for this game,” Matos said. With Evan Ferguson definitely ruled out for Ireland after undergoing surgery, Idah’s absence would be an even bigger blow. He has popped up with some important goals for his country, not least against Hungary at the start of the qualifying campaign.

[Eirambler]

I think Idah, for all his faults, might quite suit an away game against the Czechs where there could be space for him to run in behind the defence.

[pineapple stu]

Kasper Schmeichel out for Denmark for these games. I think his form has improved again since Nancy got the sack, but not really clear if that's good news or bad for them

[Eirambler]

His form was still pretty terrible to be honest. I don't think that's particularly bad news for Denmark. It could even work in their favour.

[pineapple stu]

Probably so - and we have to get past the Czechs first of course.

Max O'Leary went off injured today, and with Bazunu not yet back for Stoke, I guess Josh Keeley (Luton) is next in line for a call-up. Not that it matters with Kelleher and Travers in there of course.

Idah is still out; Manning and Azaz both started as Southampton beat league leaders Coventry (Peretz with another solid performance in nets there); Smallbone and Ogbene have 15 minutes each since the last window; Cannon and Armstrong are among the forwards still firing blanks; Festy hasn't played since December (not sure if injured or just out of favour - though he's suspended for the first game anyway), Johnston and Lawal are injured; Omobamidele has gotten his longest run of starts in a long time (5); Brady made his latest injury comeback today (a ten-minute cameo); Sykes doesn't have a goal involvement this year; McGrath hit the woodwork twice today; Kenny got two assists

Oh, and McGoldrick scored again.

So it feels we're short enough on players who are in decent form to be honest. But with a decent keeper and a scoring forward, we'll always have a chance.

[Eirambler]

Festy is playing this evening. Stoke are apparently expecting Lawal to be called up. Idah is expected to make it too. Vale is suddenly an attacking option, and I didn't even know he was Irish eligible this time yesterday. You wouldn't know who'd be in the squad by the time it's named.

[pineapple stu]

Festy is playing this evening.
Oh you're right - sent off as well, so that's him back on the sidelines until after the window.

The others could get called up, but I'd rather they were coming into the window on some form rather than being without a game for 4 months.

[rebelmusic]

There's Mcateer as well who's regularly getting 20 mins off the bench for Ipswich. Hardly going set the world alight but still.

Taylor as well playing regularly.

Brown is getting a lot of game time and Knight is in form.

Lawal was playing excellent before the injury and I'd have a lot of confidence in him if he's fit

I think he should call up Mcgoldrick at this stage and at least then we have two strikers who are in the best form of their lives

Defense is also solid with the usual question mark around the left back slot. Scales has filled in there a lot this season so I'd say it's his to lose.

All our CBS are doing well and with teams who are challenging for Europe / promotion.

So yeah. It sucks about Cullen and Ferguson but we didn't need Evan to beat Hungary and Portugal.

Knight or Lawal aren't too much of a drop down from Cullen (I'd argue Lawal is better overall, just still a bit raw)

Trying to stay positive!

[pineapple stu]

Scales is suspended don't forget!

[tetsujin1979]

Good read on rte's website today about the last time the national side won in Prague*

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2026/0313/1563311-wheres-the-missing-rioja-irelands-last-win-in-prague/

[SkStu]

That’s a great article!

[tetsujin1979]

Czech squad announced
2033908301902028999

[pineapple stu]

15 domestic-based players - it doesn't look the most daunting Czech side ever. Two of the Sparta side that lost 3-1 to Parrott's AZ. Schick, Hranec and Coufal seem a solid spine though.

Our squad out later this week I presume?

[SkStu]

15 domestic-based players - it doesn't look the most daunting Czech side ever. Two of the Sparta side that lost 3-1 to Parrott's AZ. Schick, Hranec and Coufal seem a solid spine though.

Our squad out later this week I presume?

Agreed that they look beatable on paper. Schick and Sulc both doubtful / coming back from injury too so...who knows?

As for our own squad announcement, i had the same question a few days ago! It would have to be the next day or two, you'd think.

[tetsujin1979]

Thursday at 11:30 according to the FAI's social media accounts
https://www.instagram.com/p/DV84WstjNiQ

[tetsujin1979]

Denmark and North Macedonia have also announced their squads for their play off
https://www.ffm.mk/sedloski-go-soopshti-spisokot-za-baraz-mecevite-za-plasman-na-sp/
https://www.dbu.dk/nyheder/2026/marts/herrelandsholdets-trup-til-afgoerende-vm-kvalifikation-er-udtaget/

squad details on the respective association's wikipedia page
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Macedonia_national_football_team#Players
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denmark_national_football_team#Players

[pineapple stu]

So here we go

Scales suspended for the opener. Coleman and Brady in the same squad is crying out for injury problems. I guess that's why Vale is in though - and Abankwah, who seems to have gone from rarely impressing at any level to suddenly being ok and a regular starter for Watford. No Doherty - interestingly, Wolves only reel him out for the big games it seems, so I guess those are the ones they're not worried about losing. His only league games since the last window were against Arsenal, Brentford, Liverpool, Man United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Conor Coventry maybe unlucky not to be called up in the typically light midfield. Cullen injured and Smallbone not really getting game time. Big game to bring Lawal in for if it comes to it. Alan Browne back too, which is deserved I think.

No McGoldrick up front, though Kenny is there despite juts one goal in seven games since joining Bolton. Idah hasn't played in three months, Ogbene has played 20 minutes since the last window, and no Festy (who I don't rate anyway, so not worried about that)

Bottom line is as it was in November I think - with a top goalkeeper and an in-form striker, we'll always have a chance.


Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Mark Travers (Everton), Josh Keeley (Luton Town).

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Jimmy Dunne (QPR), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Jake O'Brien (Everton), John Egan (Hull City), James Abankwah (Watford), Liam Scales (Celtic)*, Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Ryan Manning (Southampton).

Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Bosun Lawal (Stoke City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Alan Browne (Middlesbrough), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Finn Azaz (Southampton), Harvey Vale (QPR).

Attackers: Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Johnny Kenny (Bolton Wanderers, on loan from Celtic), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United, on loan from Ipswich Town), Sammie Szmodics (Derby County, on loan from Ipswich Town)

[third policeman]

Sounds like Lawal is in HH’s thinking. Would be a brave selection but one I’d be pleased to see.

[tetsujin1979]

Festy is suspended for the first game anyway, and with Scales also suspended, we really didn't need another unavailable player in the squad.
Entirely possible he comes back after the first game

[Fixer82]

Sounds like Lawal is in HH’s thinking. Would be a brave selection but one I’d be pleased to see.
Not in such a big game

[SkStu]

Agreed. We won’t see Lawal in the first game anyway (possibly the friendly if we lose) but good to see him in as a listed midfielder. He’s coming off an injury too.. I think if/when he comes good, stays fit and watches his discipline he’ll become a major player for us and we’ll have a really exciting spine from back to front. With a now very decent supporting cast. This might not be the window we do it but there are good times ahead.

[elatedscum]

interesting squad. i'd have made a few changes.

Keepers picked themselves with Bazunu and O'Leary injured

Right back - I'd have had Doherty there instead of Dunne. Thought Doherty was excellent in the win against Liverpool for Wolves 2 weeks ago. Really good. So that's my first change. Coleman very important if fit.

Centre back - I'd have gone for Omobamidele over Abankwah. I like Abankwah but for me Omobamidele is a level above and is now playing regularly for a good team in a good league. I like John Egan and happy to have him there but in the context of tight squads, we're probably a winger short of what we want, so if i had to sacrifice someone to bring in another winger, he'd be the guy.

Left back - no issues. Brady is way ahead of every other alternative not called up. him and Manning as options is good.

Midfield - i think Knight, Molumby and Azaz are your starting midfielders. I always think McGrath is overlooked and he'd make it into my squad. For the last two places, for the more defensive midfielder, a toss up between Lawal and Coventry. Coventry is fit, playing and a more like for like replacement for Cullen. However, given his lack of international experience - you'd fear he might get a little bullied or bypassed till he gets up to speed. Lawal's physical attributes make that seem less likely - but obviously he's coming off an injury and there's possibly some rustiness. As for the last slot I'd be torn between either Browne or Taylor.

Wingers - no issue with calling up Ogbene, Szmodics and Vale given Johnston's injury. I'd still like either Sykes or McAteer as a fourth option (replacing Egan if needs be).

Strikers - Parrott is a given. I think I'd have called up McGoldrick. He's in form, he's experienced, intelligent and he offers something different. Idah if fit would be my third. and if Idah doesn't make it, I'd be between Armstrong and Kenny for the third slot.

[rebelmusic]

I was watching a lot of Stoke games before Lawal was injured and I really think he'll surprise some folks on here. He's a really mature player for his age and is probably the most versatile player we have. I agree he probably shouldn't start but he's an excellent option off the bench for every role across the back line and for DM as well

He had a decent run at LB before the injury and some borderline motm displays. I know I keep harping on about him but I think his inclusion was crucial

[Plib]

What type of profile are the wide forwards that play for AZ and is anyone in our squad similar. I know its very one dimensional thinking but with the form Parrott is in, surely plan A is to make things as easy for Parrott as possible.

With regards Lawal, I've only seen him play 3 or 4 times at most, but i'm surprised people are negative about his inclusion too. Looked mature, strong and confident the couple of times i've seen him. And I don't think we are in a position to snub someone of his versatility

[rebelmusic]

Brady and Lawal both on the bench tonight which is good to see

[rebelmusic]

Ogbene getting a 20 minute run out as right back today. Wilder's done us a massive favor as the rustiness was really evident in the first 5 minutes he was in. Couple of wayward passes that a better team would have punished them

He's gotten better as it's gone on, but yeah, could have been a disaster if those 5 minutes were with Ireland

[irishfan86]

Ogbene getting a 20 minute run out as right back today. Wilder's done us a massive favor as the rustiness was really evident in the first 5 minutes he was in. Couple of wayward passes that a better team would have punished them

He's gotten better as it's gone on, but yeah, could have been a disaster if those 5 minutes were with Ireland

What’s our view on how he should be used? Start him as a striker alongside Parrott? Energy man off the bench if needed in final 20, perhaps for Coleman if we’re chasing?

Curious how we line up.

If 5-3-2 I’d go with:

——————-———Kelleher—————-
Coleman—O’Shea—Collins—O’Brien—-Manning
———Molumby——-Lawal———
——————-Taylor———
———-Parrott———-Azaz————

[liamoo11]

What’s our view on how he should be used? Start him as a striker alongside Parrott? Energy man off the bench if needed in final 20, perhaps for Coleman if we’re chasing?

Curious how we line up.

If 5-3-2 I’d go with:

——————-———Kelleher—————-
Coleman—O’Shea—Collins—O’Brien—-Manning
———Molumby——-Lawal———
——————-Taylor———
———-Parrott———-Azaz————

For me he should be the option to come on at wing back if we are chasing it. Just not good enough as a winger.

[Eirambler]

What’s our view on how he should be used? Start him as a striker alongside Parrott? Energy man off the bench if needed in final 20, perhaps for Coleman if we’re chasing?

Curious how we line up.

If 5-3-2 I’d go with:

——————-———Kelleher—————-
Coleman—O’Shea—Collins—O’Brien—-Manning
———Molumby——-Lawal———
——————-Taylor———
———-Parrott———-Azaz————

Azaz into the position you have Taylor in and Ogbene into the position you have Azaz in would be my guess. Idah and Vale to come on as subs. Hard to know what he'll go with in midfield behind Azaz. For a physical contest against the Czechs the two you've picked would potentially be best. But it's a big ask to just throw Lawal into this. He seems to like Knight. I like him too, but just not in a midfield two.

[rebelmusic]

I'd swap Knight for Taylor in your lineup and have him play in front of the 3 CBs. He's done two weeks now filling in as CB so he should be comfortable for the DM role.

I don't think Ogbene should start. We don't have Festy's pace to bring off the bench so either if we're chasing the game I'd bring him on for the last 30 or if we're protecting a lead I'd have him on for the last 20. His pace tends to prevent the opposing CBs from coming too far forward and that could be crucial.

From today's evidence he was his usual self in attack but worrying when he needed to defend so I wouldn't have him on at RB in any scenario
unless we're throwing the kitchen sink to get an equalizer at the end.


In other news, Kelleher went down for medical attention in the Brentford game which made me have a caniption. Turned out to just be a tacric for Andrews to give out instructions but Jesus my heart was in my mouth. Collins playing okay but still has that blunder in him. Kelleher in fine form other than the above.

Manning and Azaz had a solid game today. Outside of Parrot and Kelleher, the two of them are the key players for me as our primary playmakers.

Jake O Brien was excellent against Chelsea. Best option to go to RB if we need to change to 4-4-2 if we're chasing as well

Sorry this became and essay. Went on a roll today watching our players so hope it's helpful

[rebelmusic]

Oh and Browne didn't have the best of games today. Maybe a 6/10. Had a couple of solid chances and squandered them

[tetsujin1979]

If you remember Diarmuid O'Carroll, former underage striker who was with Celtic and played in the North, he's working as a coach in the Czech Republic now.
Here's his take on the opposition
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/03/21/i-recently-sat-in-the-away-dugout-at-fortuna-arena-ireland-are-in-for-a-hostile-night/

[Plib]

Its strange not having a second leg. Really changes the dynamics of thinking. In any other case we'd be happy with a hard earned draw and take them to the Aviva. In my head we keep it tight until half time, get the measure of them and hopefully be brave from there. But I can't see any left field calls like Lawal or Vale starting

[rebelmusic]

If you remember Diarmuid O'Carroll, former underage striker who was with Celtic and played in the North, he's working as a coach in the Czech Republic now.
Here's his take on the opposition
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/03/21/i-recently-sat-in-the-away-dugout-at-fortuna-arena-ireland-are-in-for-a-hostile-night/

Thanks for that Tets. It's a good read and really does seem like the physical battle will be key on Thursday. I'm inclined to think that a lot rests on which version of Collins shows up on the night. The one positive there is how physical Brentford are so it should be in his club wheelhouse.

I think we're at the right level of underdog for both these games as well. Hopefully we show enough respect for the first 20 minutes and then the longer it's scoreless the more likely it is that we will win imo

[rebelmusic]

Another good read:

https://archive.is/20260323060739/https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/czechia-v-ireland-jury-the-danger-of-optimism-midfield-decisions-and-getting-the-best-from-troy-parrott/a1761452377.html

[Fixer82]

Its strange not having a second leg. Really changes the dynamics of thinking. In any other case we'd be happy with a hard earned draw and take them to the Aviva. In my head we keep it tight until half time, get the measure of them and hopefully be brave from there. But I can't see any left field calls like Lawal or Vale starting

Two legs and a final in a neutral venue makes most sense.

[Fixer82]

Thanks for that Tets. It's a good read and really does seem like the physical battle will be key on Thursday. I'm inclined to think that a lot rests on which version of Collins shows up on the night. The one positive there is how physical Brentford are so it should be in his club wheelhouse.

I think we're at the right level of underdog for both these games as well. Hopefully we show enough respect for the first 20 minutes and then the longer it's scoreless the more likely it is that we will win imo

I’m hoping for Browne and Molumby to start and battle in the middle of the park. With Azaz sitting in front of them

[geysir]

If you remember Diarmuid O'Carroll, former underage striker who was with Celtic and played in the North, he's working as a coach in the Czech Republic now.
Here's his take on the opposition
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/03/21/i-recently-sat-in-the-away-dugout-at-fortuna-arena-ireland-are-in-for-a-hostile-night/

I'm encouraged by this observation

'What we know is Koubek doesn’t harbour lofty ideas of playing through midfield. He prefers a more vertical style of football and plays to the strengths of his playing pool.
West Ham’s Tomáš Souček and Lukas Provod of Slavia are good players but the Czech style is generally to miss midfield.
They simply don’t have a creative, ball-playing type of player. What they have got is stoppers, number 10s, plenty of legs and physicality – but they don’t have an elite-level creative midfielder.'

i think we can match that style and go one better, if not then a penalty shootout looms large.

[Fixer82]

I'm encouraged by this observation

'What we know is Koubek doesn’t harbour lofty ideas of playing through midfield. He prefers a more vertical style of football and plays to the strengths of his playing pool.
West Ham’s Tomáš Souček and Lukas Provod of Slavia are good players but the Czech style is generally to miss midfield.
They simply don’t have a creative, ball-playing type of player. What they have got is stoppers, number 10s, plenty of legs and physicality – but they don’t have an elite-level creative midfielder.'

i think we can match that style and go one better, if not then a penalty shootout looms large.

Sounds like us minus Finn Azaz

[ltfc_2004]

This feels like a penalty shoot out before a ball is kicked ! Hopefully we have practiced loads and I have confidence in Kelleher getting a hand to one although if the Czechs studied the West Ham FA Cup shoot out, they will go high to the corners with each kick.

[SkStu]

All sorts going on in Prague this morning - - thousands marching on the streets, protesting against their president; dozens lifted for football corruption by czech police, interpol, europol and others - including players from all levels of the game... not sure exactly what to make of how that will impact things but it cant be a good thing overall - might be a distraction at interviews and such, even if the players tend to live in a protected bubble.

Any news on the Schick and Sulc injuries? I dreamt that Sulc (who i have probably never seen play in my life) got injured 5 minutes in and i was f*ckin delighted...no idea how the game went but that was enough for me apparently. I'm some weirdo.

[texidub]

Prague falling apart at the thought of losing this match. Coaching staff should take the corruption thing as a warning and watch the ref like a bleedin' hawk. Feels like a penos type match to me too.

[tetsujin1979]

This is giving me serious FOMO, as the kids are saying
https://www.the42.ie/republic-of-ireland-world-cup-play-off-2-6992998-Mar2026

[rebelmusic]

Soucek has been dropped anyway it seems. I don't know if this was already a known situation but hard to know if it's good news or bad news.

Seems the new coach is trying to build a wall around the drama during qualifying. I do get the sense that heads will drop fast on their side if we take an early lead.

That always scares the bejasus out of me with Ireland but considering how fast their fans might turn on them it might work in our favour.

Prague seems a bit mental at the moment

[Exgrad]

Soucek has been dropped anyway it seems. I don't know if this was already a known situation but hard to know if it's good news or bad news.

Seems the new coach is trying to build a wall around the drama during qualifying. I do get the sense that heads will drop fast on their side if we take an early lead.

That always scares the bejasus out of me with Ireland but considering how fast their fans might turn on them it might work in our favour.

Prague seems a bit mental at the moment

Can't remember this level of hype before for any of the play offs we've previously been involved in.

[Eirambler]

Probably not since the France one in 09. World Cup playoffs are a level up from Euros playoffs. Not sure why the Denmark one in 2017 didn't quite capture the imagination in the same way, but I think there was maybe an understanding that the team were in decline at the time and we weren't easy to watch.

Darren Randolph
Stephen Ward
Ciaran Clark
Shane Duffy
Cyrus Christie
James McClean
Harry Arter
Jeff Hendrick
Callum O'Dowda
Robbie Brady
Daryl Murphy

That was the starting team in Copenhagen and they drew the away leg.

How the hell did that team make it to a playoff?!

[jbyrne]

Probably not since the France one in 09. World Cup playoffs are a level up from Euros playoffs. Not sure why the Denmark one in 2017 didn't quite capture the imagination in the same way, but I think there was maybe an understanding that the team were in decline at the time and we weren't easy to watch.

Darren Randolph
Stephen Ward
Ciaran Clark
Shane Duffy
Cyrus Christie
James McClean
Harry Arter
Jeff Hendrick
Callum O'Dowda
Robbie Brady
Daryl Murphy

That was the starting team in Copenhagen and they drew the away leg.

How the hell did that team make it to a playoff?!

its the guts of the team that had a very decent euro 2016 in france, thats how.