Ireland's potential World Cup kick off times don't make for pretty reading
The Republic of Ireland learned its potential fate on Friday night as it was drawn into Group A for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
If Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side can beat Czechia away in Prague, followed by a home win against the winner of Denmark and North Macedonia in the UEFA play-off, they’ll be in a group with hosts Mexico, South Korea and South Africa.
It’ll mean Ireland will be mainly based in Mexico, with two of the three potential matches south of the border, and one in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States.
Draw assistant Wayne Gretzky draws out the card of the winner of the UEFA playoffs final Path D. Pic: Mandel NGAN – Pool/Getty Images
If Ireland qualify, that group will no doubt be one of the more colourful ones on display next summer, but FIFA have just released the complete fixture list following the draw, and it’s not great for those looking to watch in pubs across Ireland.
The potential opener for the Boys in Green is against South Korea, which will take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, on the second day of the first tournament on June 11, with kick-off at 8 pm local time. That’ll mean it will be 3 am in Ireland on June 12, far from ideal for those looking to watch from home.
The potential second match Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side could have on June 18 against South Africa in Atlanta. The local time for the kick off at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome is 12 pm, making it a 5pm kick off in Ireland, which is the best of the three.
Aerial view of the Azteca Stadium. Pic: Hector Vivas/Getty Images
The Boys in Green’s potential final group game of the World Cup will be in the historic Azteca Stadium against hosts Mexico in what will no doubt be a rocking atmosphere. However, for those looking to watch the game in Ireland, they’ll have to stay up late once again, as it’ll be a 7 pm kick-off in Mexico City, meaning it’ll be 2 am back home.
There’s still a long way to go until next summer, and Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men will have two steep challenges ahead of them in the UEFA play-off. The first leg of that play-off takes place in Prague against Czechia on March 26 2026.
