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The Republic of Ireland have revealed their provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side eyeing two crucial qualifying play-offs later this month that could secure their place at the global tournament.

Hallgrímsson’s men face a challenging semi-final encounter away to the Czech Republic in Prague. The winner of that clash will then meet either Denmark or North Macedonia on home soil, with a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in North America on the line.

Although the eventual qualifier may not be among the tournament favourites in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer, simply qualifying would mark a major achievement for Ireland as they look to make the most of their spring international window.

The Republic of Ireland earned their spot in the UEFA play-offs by finishing second in qualifying Group F. A brilliant hat-trick from Troy Parrott in Budapest proved decisive, helping the Boys in Green edge past Hungary for the runners-up position.

Ireland secured victory in half of their qualifying fixtures and will need to raise their performance level for the play-offs. If they can defeat the Czech Republic, they will enjoy home advantage in Dublin for a final showdown offering a potential World Cup berth.

Hallgrímsson’s primary aim is to guide Ireland to their first World Cup finals appearance since 2002, a tournament remembered for both its heroics and controversies. Nearly 25 years later, the dream of returning to football’s biggest stage feels tantalisingly close.

The Icelandic head coach has assembled a squad primarily comprised of players from the Premier League and the English Football League, with AZ forward Troy Parrott and Celtic defender Liam Scales being the only exceptions.

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford), Mark Travers (Everton), Josh Keeley (Luton Town)

Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), John Egan (Hull City), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Liam Scales (Celtic), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), James Abankwah (Watford)

Midfielders: Jason Knight (Bristol City), Alan Browne (Middlesbrough), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Southampton), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Bosun Lawal (Stoke City), Harvey Vale (Queens Park Rangers)

Forwards: Adam Idah (Swansea City), Troy Parrott (AZ), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Sammie Szmodics (Derby County), Johnny Kenny (Bolton Wanderers)

Fixtures:

March 26, 2026: Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland, Fortuna Arena, Prague, Czech Republic

November 16, 2025: Hungary 2-3 Republic of Ireland, Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary

November 13: Republic of Ireland 2-0 Portugal, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland

October 14: Republic of Ireland 1-0 Armenia, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland

October 11: Portugal 1-0 Republic of Ireland, Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon

September 9: Armenia 2-1 Republic of Ireland, Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Yerevan

September 6: Republic of Ireland 2-2 Hungary, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland

Heimir Hallgrímsson, who spent his entire playing and coaching career in Iceland before gaining global recognition during Euro 2016, remains a respected figure in international football. He famously co-led Iceland’s historic run at that tournament alongside Lars Lagerbäck, which included a memorable victory over England. When Lagerbäck departed after the competition, Hallgrímsson, now 58, took sole charge of the national team.

Following his tenure with Iceland, he managed in Qatar before taking over Jamaica’s national side. His appointment as Stephen Kenny’s permanent successor in 2024 marked a new chapter for Ireland.

One of Hallgrímsson’s standout players, 24-year-old Troy Parrott, has cemented his reputation as the team’s attacking spearhead following his decisive hat-trick at the Puskas Arena last year. Parrott boasts an international scoring record of nearly a goal every three matches and continues to impress at club level. After several loan spells away from Tottenham Hotspur, his move to AZ in 2024 revitalised his career, making him a consistent scorer in the Eredivisie.

Should Ireland overcome the Czech Republic, Parrott will have the opportunity to lead his nation towards a long-awaited return to the World Cup – a moment that would be especially meaningful in front of home supporters in Dublin.