Matej Kovar thwarted Finn Azaz and Alan Browne in a penalty shootout, as Czechia concluded the Republic of Ireland’s FIFA World Cup qualification quest, advancing to a play-off decider against Denmark with triumph in their semi-final match at the Fortuna Arena.
Miroslav Koubek is set to guide Czechia to the championship round for the first time since 2006, provided they overcome Denmark at home on Tuesday (19:45 BST). This follows their recovery from a two-goal deficit, having initially trailed to Troy Parrott’s 19th-minute spot-kick and Kovar’s own goal in the 23rd minute.
Patrik Schick responded with a penalty in the 27th minute after Ryan Manning was deemed to have fouled Ladislav Krejci. Later, during the second half, Jayson Molumby’s shot struck the post for the visiting side, before Krejci subsequently headed in the leveller with just four minutes remaining.
Parrott, Krejci, Adam Idah, Tomas Soucek, and Robbie Brady all successfully converted their attempts in the shootout. Brentford’s custodian, Caoimhin Kelleher, then saved from Mojmir Chytil, putting Ireland ahead. However, Kovar’s subsequent saves, combined with successful kicks from Schick and Jan Kliment, secured Czechia’s progression.
Czechia’s Squad Against Ireland
Czechia starting XI: Matej Kovar, Vladimir Coufal, Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Ladislav Krejci, David Jurasek, Vladimir Darida, Tomas Chory, Lukas Provod, Pavel Sulc, Patrik Schick
Czechia substitutes: Lukas Hornicek, Martin Jedlicka, Stepan Chaloupek, Martin Vitik, Adam Karabec, Jan Kliment, Lukas Cerv, Mojmir Chytil, Michal Sadilek, Jaroslav Zeleny, Denis Visinsky, Tomas Soucek
Ireland’s Squad Against Czechia
Ireland starting XI: Caoimhin Kelleher, Seamus Coleman, Ryan Manning, Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien, Jayson Molumby, Troy Parrott, Finn Azaz, Jack Taylor, Chiedozie Ogbene, Nathan Collins
Ireland substitutes: Mark Travers, Josh Keeley, John Egan, Jimmy Dunne, Robbie Brady, James Abankwah, Jason Knight, Alan Browne, Harvey Vale, Adam Idah, Johnny Kenny, Sammie Szmodics
FIFA World Cup 2026: Czechia, Denmark Groupings and Teams
The allocation for the final tournament has already occurred. Czechia or Denmark will be situated in Group A should they qualify.
Presented below is the composition of those groups, along with an overview of each team’s FIFA ranking preceding the play-off semi-finals.
Potential Opponents for Czechia or Denmark at the World Cup: Group A
| Country | Rank |
| Mexico | 16 |
| South Korea | 22 |
| South Africa | 60 |
FIFA World Cup: Czechia, Denmark Match Schedule and Fixtures
The triumphant team in the final will first contend with South Korea, followed by South Africa, and then joint-hosts Mexico. Matches marked with an asterisk are scheduled to begin on the subsequent day.
| Date | Match | BST | ET | PT | Venue |
| June 11 | South Korea | 03:00* | 22:00 | 19:00 | Estadio Guadalajara, Mexico |
| June 18 | South Africa | 17:00 | 12:00 | 09:00 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| June 24 | Mexico | 02:00* | 21:00 | 18:00 | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
Should they emerge as group winners at the World Cup, Czechia or Denmark will encounter one of the eight top-performing teams that concluded their group stage in third place across the 12 groups.
If they secure the second position, they will confront the runners-up from Group B, which is set to comprise Switzerland, Canada, Qatar, and a European play-off victor.
Should they advance to the elimination rounds as a third-placed squad, they will face the victors of Group E or G. Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Belgium, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand are members of those groups.
Review the complete World Cup bracket.
Commencement Date of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The World Cup commences with an encounter between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on June 11 (20:00 BST).