EYNTK Ahead Of Ireland v Czechia Tonight

The Republic of Ireland men’s football team have their chance to make fan’s dreams become reality tonight, by getting one step closer to a spot at The World Cup.

Ireland has not qualified for the tournament since 2002 – 24 years ago – not that we’re counting or anything.

Many younger fans have yet to experience the country erupt with World Cup excitement, and see the good times is back in action.

Although the team had a very successful 2016 Euros campaign, they sadly lost to the French hosts, ultimately denying us a quarterfinal spot. Since the Euros, the Irish men’s football team have been lacking celebration for some time.

The 2026 World Cup campaign began in September at the Aviva stadium with a 2-2 draw to Hungary, before we lost points to Armenia and Portugal. Hopes began to shatter, as the 1-0 win against Armenia at home meant optimism but the chances of beating Portugal were low.

The 2-0 win for Ireland at the Aviva and the red card for Cristiano Ronaldo brought joy to all the country. Chris from Galway even went viral for sending Ronaldo off the pitch in a very deserving manner.

@virginmedianews 🗣️ “This is my five minutes now, so I better make the most of it!” Chris Hernon, the Ireland fan who went viral for his crying reaction to Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card at the Aviva Stadium, says his phone has been “blowing up” since last night. Chris, from Galway, is travelling to Budapest for the game against Hungary. #VMNews ♬ original sound – VirginMediaNews

The dreams for a play-off place all came down to November 16’s away to Hungary, where Troy Parrott’s last-minute winner made everyone beam with pride. Our little island was getting their chance after over two decades of waiting.

And after what’s felt like years in itself, the day is here: Ireland vs Czechia. And anticipation for the game has been overwhelming.

@ireland The drama. The finish. The scenes. The limbs. What a moment 🔥😭🇮🇪 #ireland #irelandfootball #coybig #troyparrott #worldcupqualifiers ♬ som original – Lívia Prado

Thousands of Irish fans have travelled to Prague for a chance to see their team get one step closer. With just over 1,000 tickets available for away fans at the Fortuna arena, The Irish have travelled and shown up with pride, some even without tickets for the game.

The build up for the match has been talked about by everyone – young boys and girls, and older men and women, who are delighted the country is experiencing this again.

Andy Zundel, a highly optimistic man from Limerick, even went to a Prague church to make sure the prayers were in ahead of kick-off, as per RTÉ.

@rtenews Irish fans are gathering in Prague ahead of tomorrow night’s World Cup play-off with Czechia. Andy Zundel from Limerick is praying for a win 🙏   Tap the link in our bio for all the build up to tomorrow’s game. #ireland #worldcup #coybig #prague ♬ original sound – RTÉ News

Families and friends of the players have been sharing their travels and hopeful expectations of the game.

Troy Parrot’s girlfriend Lauren Bowry has been sharing her green outfits on TikTok, featuring a cropped Irish jersey and and suitcase with Parrot’s face on the front.

@laurenbowry8

🇮🇪 let’s goooo

♬ original sound – Lauren Bowry

Dublin airport was a sea of green this week, songs were chanted on the planes, and the streets of Prague have officially been taken over. The Irish are known for being the best fans in the world and we really are proving it.

If we win this game tonight Ireland’s second play-off will be Tuesday night against Denmark or North Macedonia, depending on who wins that fixture. Come On You Boys In Green!

Ireland v Czechia is available to watch on RTÉ2 with coverage beginning at 7pm. 

Words by Nia Hayden