End of the Wait? Ireland’s 24-Year World Cup Drought Faces Final Hurdle in Czech Republic

The Republic of Ireland is staring down the barrel of a 24-year absence from the World Cup, and their dramatic playoff draw—an away semi-final in Prague against the Czech Republic—represents the final, high-stakes hurdle to end that drought.
Last appearing in 2002, the current Irish team, energized by Troy Parrott’s five goals in two recent games, has a unique opportunity. Success in Prague would guarantee a final on home soil against Denmark or North Macedonia, a scenario that manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has called “absolutely vital.”
The journey is tough, but the prize is the chance to write a new chapter in Irish football history and finally qualify for the expanded 2026 tournament.
Meanwhile, Wales has the home advantage against Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Northern Ireland must defy logic away to Italy in their bid for one of Europe’s four spots. For the Irish, the focus remains laser-sharp on that March 26 semi-final, which stands between them and the potential end of their long wait.