Czech Republic Reach World Cup Play-off Final: Penalty Shoot-out Victory over Ireland in Prague
Goalkeeper Kovář the hero, captain Krejčí rescues late – decision only settled on penalties
Foto: Česká fotbalová reprezentace
A football evening full of twists at Prague’s Eden Stadium: the Czech national team have won the semi-final of the World Cup play-offs against Ireland and advance to the final after a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
The Czech Republic prevailed on Thursday evening after a 2:2 draw following extra time, beating Ireland 4:3 on penalties. In front of 19,137 spectators, goalkeeper Matěj Kovář proved decisive, saving two penalties and paving his team’s way to the final. The last penalty was converted by Jan Kliment, who kept his nerve after a long injury lay-off.
The match had begun in the worst possible way for the hosts. In the 19th minute, Troy Parrott put Ireland ahead from the penalty spot, and just four minutes later the Irish doubled their lead from a set piece – aided by an unfortunate own goal from Kovář following a headed clearance by Vladimír Coufal.
Foto: Česká fotbalová reprezentace
Before the break, Patrik Schick pulled one back for the Czech Republic, also from the penalty spot. For a long time, elimination still seemed likely, until new captain Ladislav Krejčí equalised in the 86th minute from a corner to make it 2:2 and force extra time.
No further goals were scored in extra time, meaning the match had to be decided from the spot. Here, Kovář once again emerged as the hero with two saves, while the Czech takers held their nerve at the decisive moments.
Foto: Česká fotbalová reprezentace
With this victory, the Czech Republic are now just one win away from their first World Cup appearance since 2006. In the play-off final, the team will face Denmark on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, at Prague’s epet ARENA (Stadion Letná). For head coach Miroslav Koubek, it also marks a perfect debut, leading the team straight into the decisive clash for a place at the World Cup in his first match in charge.
World Cup Play-off Semi-final
26 March 2026 | Eden Stadium, Prague
Czech Republic – Ireland 2:2 a.e.t. (2:2, 1:2), 4:3 on penalties
Attendance: 19,137
Česká fotbalová reprezentace
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