{"id":27846,"date":"2026-03-27T21:20:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T21:20:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/27\/world-cup-play-offs-ireland-loses-to-czech-republic-in-penalty-shootout-and-is-eliminated-resulting-in-a-draw\/"},"modified":"2026-03-27T21:20:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T21:20:30","slug":"world-cup-play-offs-ireland-loses-to-czech-republic-in-penalty-shootout-and-is-eliminated-resulting-in-a-draw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/27\/world-cup-play-offs-ireland-loses-to-czech-republic-in-penalty-shootout-and-is-eliminated-resulting-in-a-draw\/","title":{"rendered":"World Cup play-offs: Ireland loses to Czech Republic in penalty shootout and is eliminated, resulting in a draw"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The 2026 World Cup play-offs took place between UEFA member nations on Thursday night, with none of their countries advancing to the semi-finals.<\/h2>\n
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March 26, 2026, 22:41<\/span>Updated March 26, 2026 22:48<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Republic of Ireland defeated in Prague (Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
With the play-off semi-finals over, England and Scotland will be the only home nations at this summer’s World Cup.<\/p>\n
The Republic of Ireland’s dream came to a heartbreaking end with a penalty. Mosimir Chytil, Finn Azaz and Alan Brown all had their spot kicks saved as the hosts slipped away.<\/p>\n
AIl got off to a very promising start for Ireland after Troy Parrott’s opening goal. Vladimir Dalida scored from the penalty spot after fouling Nathan Collins.<\/p>\n
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side then doubled their lead with an own goal from former West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal. Patrik Schick then converted his own penalty, giving the hosts a foothold in the game.<\/p>\n
Just when it looked like Ireland would advance, Ladislav Krejci equalized for the hosts and the Czech Republic advanced on penalties. They will now face Denmark, who defeated North Macedonia 4-0. Brentford winger Mikel Damsgaard was on the scoresheet, with Gustav Isaksen scoring twice and Christian Eriksen also scoring.<\/p>\n
Join us on Facebook! For the latest news, analysis and more on our Mirror Football Facebook page<\/p>\n
read more: BBC and ITV given green light to broadcast World Cup matches on YouTube in landmark deal<\/span><\/span>read more: World Cup Qualifying Format: Will the second leg of the semi-finals be extra time or penalty-only?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Fellow home country Wales also played a penalty shootout against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Leeds wideman Dan James took the lead in the second half with a great strike, before Edin Dzeko equalized late on. Neither team could find a winner in extra time, with the hosts suffering a crushing defeat without Brennan Johnson and Nico Williams.<\/p>\n
Bosnia have now set up a match against Italy, who have just edged out their fellow homeland Northern Ireland in Bergamo. Newcastle star Sandro Tonali scored with a ferocious drive and Moise Kean also scored in the second period to end Northern Ireland’s World Cup dreams.<\/p>\n
Increased Premier League talent was also key for Sweden, with Viktor G\u00f6keres scoring a stunning hat-trick in the 3-1 win over Ukraine. The Scandinavian nation will now face Poland. Albania led 1-0 against Poland, but Robert Lewandowski equalized and Piotr Zielinski converted the score.<\/p>\n
Finally, T\u00fcrkiye will face Kosovo in the final playoff final. Ferdi Kaduoglu was the most important figure for T\u00fcrkiye, scoring the goal that defeated Romania.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Slovakia and Kosovo played out a thrilling match, with the latter making an eye-catching comeback in Bratislava to turn from a 2-1 deficit to win 4-3.<\/p>\n
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Wales’ World Cup dreams ended in brutal fashion (Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Full playoff results:<\/h4>\n
T\u00fcrkiye 1-0 Romania<\/p>\n
Czech Republic 2-2 (Penns 4-3) Republic of Ireland<\/p>\n
Denmark 4-0 North Macedonia<\/p>\n
Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland<\/p>\n
Poland 2-1 Albania<\/p>\n
Slovakia 3-4 Kosovo<\/p>\n
Ukraine 1-3 Sweden<\/p>\n
Wales 1-1 (2-4 pence) Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/p>\n
Full playoff draw:<\/h4>\n
Wales vs Italy<\/p>\n
Sweden vs Poland<\/p>\n
Kosovo vs T\u00fcrkiye<\/p>\n
Republic of Ireland vs Denmark<\/p>\n
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England’s 2026 World Cup kit<\/p>\n
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This article contains affiliate links and we receive a commission from any sales we generate from them. learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Various prices<\/p>\n
england official store<\/p>\n
Buy now from England’s official store<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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England and Nike have launched new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Use code: ENGFREEDEL to get free shipping on all orders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"republic](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36930672.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_GettyImages-2268513029jpgs.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"wales\"](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36930694.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_GettyImages-2268519288.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"content](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36905637.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Untitled-2jpeg.jpg\"\/)
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