Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Kick-off Time: 19:45 (GMT) / 20:45 (Local)
Venue: Fortuna Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
Where to Watch Online & TV
- Czech Republic: ČT Sport
- Ireland: RTÉ Two / RTÉ Player
- United Kingdom: Viaplay Sports 1
- USA: FOX Sports / Fubo TV
- Global: 20Bet Live Tracker (Real-time xG, attack momentum, and live odds)
H2H Statistics & Historical Context
- The Prague Fortress: Czechia is currently on a 16-match unbeaten run at home. They haven’t lost a competitive game in Prague since early 2024.
- Balanced H2H: Historically, meetings have been tight. In their last 4 encounters, there has been 1 win for each side and 2 draws.
- The “Nyberg” Factor: Referee Glenn Nyberg is a familiar face to Ireland; he was the official who sent off Cristiano Ronaldo when Ireland famously faced Portugal.
Team News & The Ireland Crisis
Czech Republic:
Miroslav Koubek has a nearly full-strength squad. The biggest news is the return of veteran Vladimír Darida for his experience. Patrik Schick is fit and leads the line after a strong club season.
- Predicted XI: Staněk; Coufal, Holeš, Krejčí, Bořil; Souček, Sadílek; Černý, Šulc, Hložek; Schick.
Republic of Ireland:
Heimir Hallgrímsson is facing a nightmare selection scenario. Evan Ferguson (ankle), Josh Cullen (ACL), and Mikey Johnston are all OUT through injury. Adding to the misery, key defenders Liam Scales and Festy Ebosele are SUSPENDED for this match.
- Predicted XI: Kelleher; Coleman, Collins, O’Shea, Brady; Molumby, Knight, Smallbone; Ogbene, Szmodics, Parrott.
BetVisionOw Expert Tips (Odds via 20Bet)
| Market | Selection | Odds (Approx.) |
| Match Result | Czech Republic Win (1) | 1.85 |
| Over/Under 2.5 | Under 2.5 Goals | 1.80 |
| GG/NG (BTTS) | NG (Both Teams to Score – NO) | 1.88 |
| Penalty Awarded | Yes | 2.75 |
The “Safe” Play: Czech Republic to Win @ 1.85
With Ireland missing their best striker (Ferguson), their midfield anchor (Cullen), and two starting-caliber defenders, the task in Prague looks too tall. Czechia’s home record and the aerial threat of Tomáš Souček should be the deciding factor.
Over/Under & NG Tip: Low Scoring Affair
Play-off semi-finals are rarely high-scoring “samba” football. Ireland will likely set up in a deep block to frustrate the hosts. Given Ireland’s lack of a clinical finisher tonight, a 1-0 or 2-0 Czech win is the most likely outcome. NG (Both Teams to Score – NO) at 1.88 is excellent value.
Corners, Cards & Penalty Analysis
- Corners: Czechia plays very wide with Coufal and Bořil. Over 8.5 Corners is a strong play.
- Cards: This will be physical. Expect Souček or Molumby to find their way into Nyberg’s book. Over 3.5 Yellow Cards is recommended.
- Penalty: High-pressure single legs often lead to panicky tackles in the box. With VAR active and Nyberg in charge, a Penalty Awarded (Yes) at 2.75 is a great value flyer.
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