Ireland remembers Yerevan: Hallgrímsson on the match that nearly cost him his job

The Ireland national team will face the Czech Republic in the semifinal of the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs. International media have already labeled this pairing as one of the most unexpected — both teams suffered extremely unpleasant defeats in the group stage, yet still finished second and reached the play-offs.

Ireland lost to Armenia, while the Czech Republic sensationally fell to the Faroe Islands. However, the Irish then made an incredible surge: after losing in Yerevan, they defeated Portugal and Hungary, despite very few believing they could get back into the race.

"I thought I would be fired after Armenia"

Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson admitted that the defeat to Armenia almost became his last match in charge. Nevertheless, he kept his position and managed to inspire his players to a historic return in the battle for a World Cup ticket.

Here is what Hallgrímsson said:

“We lost in Armenia, and I was almost fired — it was a similar situation. We will definitely review all the matches, and I am one hundred percent sure we will see that it was a one-time failure.

I didn’t see it myself, but I heard that the Faroe Islands had real national celebrations after beating the Czechs — that match gave them a chance to reach the play-offs.

Football is a crazy game. The most unexpected results happen, and I hope our failure in Armenia was only a one-time thing. With no disrespect to Armenia — we simply played very poorly. It can happen to us and to the Czechs,” Hallgrímsson said following the draw.

What awaits the teams in the play-offs

The Czech Republic vs Ireland match will take place on March 26 in Prague. The winner will advance to the final of their play-off path, where they will face the winner of Denmark vs North Macedonia. Only one team from this quartet will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Ireland hopes to prove that their victories over Portugal and Hungary were deserved, while the Czechs will try to erase the stain left by the loss to the Faroe Islands. A tense and principled battle is expected.

2026 World Cup play-off draw: European and intercontinental matchups confirmed.