Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland Prediction 26.03.2026 | WC Qualifiers Playoffs

Following the dismissal of Ivan Hasek in the wake of a shocking 2-1 qualifying defeat to Faroe Islands back in October, the Czech national team have turned to the vast experience of 74-year-old Miroslav Koubek as they look to navigate this high-stakes playoff campaign.

The Narodak can take significant encouragement from their formidable record at Fortuna Arena, having secured 14 victories from their last 18 outings on home soil, a run they will be eager to extend as they aim to bring an end to a two-decade-long absence from the World Cup stage.

Even more reassuring is the Czech Republic’s defensive solidity in front of their own supporters, with the hosts managing to keep opponents at bay in four of their last five home fixtures, a level of discipline they will be keen to replicate in Thursday’s high-pressure encounter.

Meanwhile, Patrik Schick heads into the international break in fine form, having netted a brace to rescue a 3-3 draw for Bayer Leverkusen against 1. FC Heidenheim, and he is expected to spearhead the attack once again.

Since taking charge, Heimir Hallgrimsson has effectively instilled his trademark “giant-killing” mentality—first showcased during his time with Iceland national football team—into the Republic of Ireland national football team setup, guiding the side from the brink of elimination to an impressive run of three consecutive victories.

The standout result in that sequence arrived most recently, as the Boys in Green produced a statement performance in Budapest, overturning two deficits to secure a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Hungary national football team—a victory that propelled them into second place in Group F.

Prior to that dramatic success, Ireland edged past Armenia national football team by the narrowest of margins before delivering a composed 2-0 win over Portugal national football team on home soil, a result that underlined their newfound defensive resilience, with Nathan Collins playing a central role in a backline that has conceded just twice across the last 270 minutes of competitive action.

With Caoimhin Kelleher enjoying arguably the finest campaign of his career as a regular starter in the Premier League, Ireland now boast a defensive unit of genuine top-level quality, one that could prove decisive in tightly contested encounters where fine margins and big-game experience often make the difference.