Under manager Heimir Hallgrímsson, Ireland showed signs of progress throughout qualifying and earned a place in the playoffs after finishing behind Portugal in their group. However, their World Cup hopes ultimately slipped away in a dramatic postseason matchup.

The elimination extended a lengthy wait for a return to soccer’s biggest tournament. Ireland’s last appearance at a FIFA World Cup came in 2002, when the team reached the Round of 16 in South Korea and Japan.

How did Ireland get eliminated?

Ireland’s World Cup dream came to an end in the UEFA playoff semifinals against the Czech Republic. The Irish side appeared to be in control after building a 2-0 lead, putting themselves in a strong position to move one step closer to qualification.

However, the Czech Republic mounted a comeback, scoring twice to level the match and force a penalty shootout. Ireland then missed two spot-kicks during the shootout, allowing the Czechs to advance and ending the Irish campaign.

The defeat was particularly painful because Ireland had been within minutes of securing a place in the playoff final before conceding late goals that changed the course of the match.

How long has Ireland been absent from the World Cup?

Ireland’s absence from the 2026 tournament means the country has now missed every World Cup since 2002. While the national team has qualified for several European Championships during that period, a return to the World Cup has remained elusive.

The 2026 campaign represented one of Ireland’s closest opportunities to end that drought. Reaching the playoffs demonstrated progress, but the dramatic loss to the Czech Republic ensured that the wait for another World Cup appearance will continue.

For Irish supporters, the focus now shifts toward the next qualification cycle as the national team looks to build on the positives from its recent campaign and finally return to the sport’s biggest stage.

How to watch Canada vs Ireland in the USA

Viewers can tune in to this marquee contest through multiple viewing options. The broadcast will be available on FS2, with live streaming offered via Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV.

Fans watching on any of these services will be able to catch every crucial play, momentum-shifting moment, and dramatic finish as the matchup unfolds in real time.

Can I watch Canada vs Ireland for free?

Soccer supporters in the United States can watch this featured matchup live on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV, all carrying the channel broadcasting the game nationwide.

New users can also take advantage of free trials, including five days from Fubo and DirecTV Stream and three days from Hulu + Live TV, to stream the action at no initial cost.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

With the World Cup on the horizon, Canada continues to build momentum and refine a squad capable of making a deep run on home soil. Fresh off a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan, the Canadians return home aiming to extend their strong form against Ireland in another valuable test.

Ireland, on the other hand, arrive with plenty to prove after an unexpected second-place finish in their qualifying group ultimately ended in playoff heartbreak, leaving them outside the World Cup field.

Now focused on laying the foundation for future competitions, Ireland will look to challenge a Canadian side eager to keep its upward trajectory moving forward.

Canada vs Ireland: Predicted Lineups

Canada (4-4-2): Dayne St. Clair, Alistair Johnston, Joel Waterman, Derek Cornelius, Alphonso Davies, Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustáquio, Ismaël Koné, Jacob Shaffelburg, Jonathan David, Cyle Larin.

Ireland (5-3-2): Mark Travers, Seamus Coleman, Nathan Collins, Jake O’Brien, Liam Scales, Corrie Ndaba, Jayson Molumby, Conor Coventry, Jamie McGrath, Chiedozie Ogbene, Troy Parrott.

What time is the Canada vs Ireland match?

The match kicks off today, June 5, at 7:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
Central Time: 6:30 PM
Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

Ireland had controlled long stretches of possession but struggled to break through until the second half, despite having taken an early lead in the 5th minute when captain Nathan Collins rose above everyone to score with a spectacular header.

The hosts continued to create chances, including a dangerous ball across goal from Collins that neither Troy Parrott nor James Abankwah could finish. Qatar, who had rotated heavily with four substitutions in the 78th minute, attempted to reorganize but were forced deeper as Ireland pushed for the winner.

The home side’s intensity grew in the final minutes as Ireland pushed to close out the match. Qatar’s late red card added a brief twist, but Ireland stayed composed to secure a deserved 1-0 win.

The Czech Republic will face Denmark on Tuesday, March 31, with a ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the line. The winner of this tie will join Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa, and Korea Republic. The loser, on the other hand, will return home empty-handed.

In the event of a draw in regular time, the match will proceed to extra time. If the draw persists in overtime (two periods of 15 minutes each), the winner will be decided on penalties.

How many World Cups have Ireland played so far and when was their last appearance?

Ireland have made it to three World Cups so far, advancing from the group stage every time. Their last appearance came in 2002, with the Boys in Green being knocked out by Spain in the round of 16 after a dramatic 1-1 draw that led to a 3-2 shootout win for La Roja.

Ireland came from another round of 16 elimination in USA 1994, when the Netherlands beat them 2-0 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

What’s Ireland’s best result at a World Cup?

Ireland’s first World Cup appearance in 1990 saw them reach the quarterfinals, which remains their best result to date. That year, it all ended with a 1-0 loss to hosts Italy, who lost to eventual runners-up Argentina in the following round.

This game is part of the expanded UEFA play‑off format for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where 16 teams that didn’t qualify directly in the group stage compete in single‑leg knockout semi‑finals on March 26 and finals on March 31.

Both teams are familiar with the pressure of decisive fixtures. Ireland hasn’t qualified for a World Cup since 2002, and reaching the final of this play‑off would be a major milestone, while Czech Republic also aims to secure their spot.

What happens if Ireland beat Czech Republic today?

If Ireland beat Czech Republic today, Ireland will advance to the UEFA play‑off final on March  31, 2026, putting them one step away from qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the U.S.

Winning this semi‑final is crucial because the play‑off finals are single‑match knockout games where the winner earns one of Europe’s four remaining World Cup slots.

Ireland reached this stage by finishing second in Group F of the UEFA qualifiers, securing their spot in the play‑off bracket behind Portugal. The Czech Republic also finished second in their group (Group L).

What happens if Ireland and Czech Republic tie?

If Ireland and Czech Republic tie at the end of regulation tonight, the match will not finish as a draw — UEFA play‑off rules require a winner on the day. Because these ties are single‑leg knockout fixtures, a tie after 90 minutes means the game will go to extra time and, if still level, a penalty shootout to determine who advances.

What happens if Ireland lose to Czech Republic today?

If Ireland lose to Czech Republic today, Ireland’s qualification campaign will end at this semi‑final stage of the UEFA play‑offs. Only the winners of the four play‑off finals earn UEFA’s final World Cup spots.

The Czech Republic would advance to the Path D play‑off final, where they’ll face the winner of Denmark vs North Macedonia at a venue determined by draw. Victory in that final match would secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.

[Watch Czech Republic vs Ireland online in the US on Fubo]

Two World Cup regulars square off in a high-stakes playoff, each aiming to return to the sport’s biggest stage. The Czech Republic arrives after a strong qualifying run that fell short of first place behind Croatia.

On the other hand, Ireland brings momentum from a decisive final Matchday win that secured second in their group. With a semifinal spot on the line, expect a tense, hard-fought battle from start to finish.

When will the Czech Republic vs Ireland match be played?

Czech Republic play against Ireland on Thursday, March 26, in the Path D semifinal of the World Cup qualifiers, with kickoff slated for 3:45 PM (ET).

Czech Republic vs Ireland: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:45 PM
CT: 2:45 PM
MT: 1:45 PM
PT: 12:45 PM

How to watch Czech Republic vs Ireland in the USA

Catch the thrilling UEFA World Cup qualifiers showdown between Czech Republic and Ireland in the USA. Stream the action on Fubo. Other options: ViX.

Hungary didn’t do their part, as they suffered a late, 2-3 loss to Ireland. Meanwhile, Portugal beat Armenia comfortably. This means Hungary ended in third place of Group F. Portugal ended as leaders with 13 points, followed by Ireland with 10 (securing a spot in the playoffs for a World Cup berth), Hungary with eight points, and Armenia in last place with only three points.

The dream is over. Hungary did not do enough to even qualify to the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Playoffs. This is a second round contested between 16 teams but only four will end up qualifying.

Hungary lost to Ireland quite unfairly

Even if the final score doesn’t show it, Hungary were clearly the superior side in the Puskas Arena. The 2-3 score doesn’t do justice, as Hungary dominated Ireland in shots, shots on target, ball possession, corners, and pretty much every offensive statistic there is. However, the Irish had more power of will in the latter minutes to get an incredible comeback with goals at the 80th and 96th minute.

The team knew it needed to win and it went out there to make sure that if Portugal slipped, it would’ve done what was needed. Still, it wasn’t enough as Ireland’s Troy Parrott scored a hat trick to get Ireland the win. Now, Hungary said goodbye to the 2026 World Cup.

Hungary had a very good squad to rely on

This is a very good squad. While it’s not a juggernaut, nor is it star-studded, Hungary have a good collection of guys that make this a very well-rounded team. Still, the lack of focus in the dying minutes of the game cost them.

Dominik Szoboszlai is one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world right now. The Liverpool star is capable to not only cut passing lanes, but also create goalscoring oppportunities. He is the one guy capable of doing it all. However, the role players didn’t do much to help him in the second half of the game, and that ended Hungary’s 2026 World Cup dreams.

Ireland came into the game with 7 points and a +1 goal differential, while Hungary held the slight upper hand with 8 points and a +2 goal differential. Thus, Ireland’s hopes lied entirely on a victory during their visit to the Pearl of the Danube. It was stressful, but in the end Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side pushed through to walk away with a 3-2 win.

After securing the win in Hungary—along with Portugal’s thrashing of Armenia—Ireland clinched the second place in the group standings. That means Ireland are now through to the UEFA Play-Off Round where 16 teams will be competing for the final four tickets to the 2026 World Cup.

Thus, Ireland’s win didn’t automatically qualify them for the World Cup, per se, but it did push them through to the next stage, where they will compete for a place in the biggest tournament in international soccer. For some countries, reaching the Play-Off isn’t cause for celebration, but given how things looked coming into the final matchday, it’s the best-case scenario for Ireland.

Group standings: Portugal first, Ireland second

Following yet another magical night from Troy Parrott and the Boys in Green, Ireland clinched the second place in Group F, keeping their 2026 World Cup dream alive and well as they make it to the Play-Off Round.

• Portugal 13 points
• Ireland 10 points
• Hungary 8 points
• Armenia 3 points

UEFA Play-Off Round

Thanks to Parrott’s hat trick against Hungary — which included an unforgettable 96th minute game-winner — fans in the Emerald Isle can keep dreaming about making the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the Boys in Green are still a long way from making the trans-Atlantic journey to North America. First, they will have to make it past other top countries in Europe.

16 national teams will compete in the UEFA Play-Off. The 12 sides that finished second in their groups will be joined by the four best teams in the Nations League ranking — those that didn’t qualify for the World Cup or the play-offs. The 16 teams will be split into four groups of four. They will face off in a single-leg semi-final before competing in a final. The four winners of each final will advance to the World Cup. Ireland will have a clear picture of who they’ll be up against on November 20, when the groups will be drawn.

Hungary have a good opportunity to compete in a World Cup for the first time since 1986. They are currently second in the table with eight points, trailing Portugal’s 10 points. Hungary still have a pathway to both direct qualification and the playoffs.

Ireland, meanwhile, delivered a shocking result on the last matchday by defeating Portugal 2-0, denying Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates the chance to secure their World Cup ticket early.

That major home victory kept alive Ireland’s hopes of reaching a World Cup for the first time since 2002. They currently sit third in the table with seven points, holding possibilities for the playoffs and even an outside chance at direct qualification.

What happens if Hungary beat Ireland?

If Hungary defeat Ireland, the outcome of the match between Portugal and Armenia will determine Hungary’s final position in the table. With a win, Hungary will need a defeat for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates to secure direct qualification, while a Portugal victory would see Hungary settle with a playoff spot.

What happens if Hungary and Ireland tie?

If the match ends in a draw, Hungary will secure second spot in Group F and therefore a place in the playoffs, regardless of the result in the Portugal vs Armenia match.

What happens if Hungary lose to Ireland?

If Ireland manage to secure the victory on the road, then Hungary will be mathematically eliminated from the 2026 World Cup race. Ireland would then secure second place in the table, and if Portugal lose to Armenia, Ireland could even claim first place and direct qualification if they manage to surpass Portugal on goal differential.

Now, even if Portugal clinch their spot in the 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada, and Mexico, Ronaldo could be left off the lineup for his national team’s debut in soccer’s most important tournament.

If Portugal win against Armenia and secure their spot in the World Cup, Ronaldo could miss the debut in 2026. UEFA or FIFA has yet to announce an official sanction on Ronaldo, who could be handed more than a one-game suspension. If he is given a two-game suspension for his hit on Ireland’s defenseman, then he could miss Portugal’s opening game in the World Cup’s group stage.

Ronaldo may have gone overboard

Not only did Ronaldo receive a red card for elbowing an opponent in a non-soccer play, but the legendary striker also showed unsportsmanlike conduct when walking off the pitch. Ronaldo made sarcastic remarks toward the home fans, applauding them for their behavior throughout the game and saying they had “cried” all match.

Moreover, Cristiano gestured toward Ireland’s bench, indicating somebody had talked too much. Before walking off the pitch and into the tunnel, Ronaldo got in Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson’s face, but the two shook hands and that was that.

Awaiting official decision

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has yet to make a statement on the dramatic situation in Dublin. Should Ronaldo face a harsh verdict, it could come back to bite him if Portugal makes their way through to the World Cup on November 16, when they take on Armenia at home. As it stands, Ronaldo will serve a one-game suspension on Sunday, but it could turn into a much costlier sanction after Portugal’s 2-0 loss in Ireland.

Portugal arrived at Aviva Stadium with a strong opportunity to seal their direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which a win would have guaranteed. However, they could not overcome Ireland, who played a superb home game and secured their first-ever victory against Portugal in qualifiers.

Having squandered the chance to qualify early, Cristiano Ronaldo (who saw the red card against Ireland) and his teammates will now decide their fate on the final matchday, Sunday, November 16th, when they face Armenia at the Estadio do Dragao.

For Portugal to achieve direct qualification, they must defeat Armenia on the final matchday. However, they could also qualify without a victory if Hungary fail to defeat Ireland. If Hungary do not win, Portugal will secure the direct spot, regardless of whether they draw or lose against Armenia.

The playoff scenario

Despite being very close to securing direct entry, there is still a possibility that Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will be forced into a playoff to secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup.

This scenario would occur if Hungary defeat Ireland at home, while Portugal lose their final match against Armenia at the Estadio do Dragao. Then, who gets the direct qualification will be defined via goal differential.

This same tight situation could even include Ireland. If the team managed by Heimir Hallgrimsson overcomes Hungary at home and Portugal fall to Armenia, then Ireland would tie Roberto Martinez’s team in points, and the final direct qualification spot would be decided via goal differential.