Ireland fans dealt blow following World Cup play-off draw
Ireland fans (Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)Ireland fans look set to be offered fewer than 1,000 tickets for their crunch World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic next March.After their heroics in Budapest, the Boys in Green have been drawn to play the Czech Republic on 27 March 2026. The match is set to be held at Prague's Fortuna Arena, the home of Slavia Prague, which has a capacity of only 19,370 spectators.Ireland fans are expected to receive five per cent of tickets, meaning that fewer than 1,000 will be available to away supporters.Information on how fans can apply for tickets has not yet been released, but preference will likely be given to those who have attended Ireland’s recent away fixtures.Despite the potential scarcity of tickets, many Ireland supporters have already booked flights to Prague for next March.A Ryanair flight to the Czech capital on the Wednesday night before the match has already sold out, and flight prices have predictably sky-rocketed in the wake of the draw.If Heimir Hallgrimsson's side are able to win against the Czech Republic, they will have home comforts for their play-off final, with either Denmark or North Macedonia coming to Dublin on 31 March.Ireland are looking to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2002.Click here to sign up to our soccer newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from the League of Ireland and beyond
