By:
Graeme Hanna
A Czech Republic ticket scramble has commenced for Republic of Ireland fans after it was confirmed that the World Cup Playoff will be played at the Fortuna Arena in Prague.
The supporters will follow Heimir Hallgrimsson’s team to the Czech capital, but supply will come nowhere near meeting the vast demand, with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) set to be handed around 1000 tickets for the highly anticipated clash.
The Fortuna Arena is the biggest stadium currently in use in the central European state. It is the home of Slavia Prague and was also the host for West Ham United’s 2023 UEFA Conference League triumph.
In the hour after the World Cup playoff draw, Irish fans spent an incredible €250,000 on flights to Prague, indicating the massive interest in the game.
While many Irish fans are set to be disappointed by the Czech Republic ticket scramble, plenty will be happy to be there, to enjoy the experience and contribute to the party atmosphere.
It is not inconceivable that there will be as many Republic of Ireland fans in Prague, outside the stadium, as there will be in the away section cheering on the Boys in Green.
Czech Republic ticket scramble for Irish fans in Prague
The winner of the Czech Republic vs. Republic of Ireland tie will enjoy home advantage for a World Cup playoff final against Denmark or North Macedonia, which would see the levels of interest and anticipation rise even further.
“The play-off draw has given us a strong opponent, but we still believe that the home environment in Prague will be a significant advantage for the national team,” said Czech FA (FAČR) chairman David Trunda.
On March 26, Heimir Hallgrimsson will go up against Miroslav Koubek, after the veteran coach was installed as the new head coach of the national team.
With the clock ticking on an appointment, the FAČR ended a period of uncertainty by appointing the 74-year-old, who most recently served as Viktoria Plzen’s manager.
He parted ways with the club in September, but has now been tasked with leading the national team to the 2026 World Cup by coming through the playoff path.
Image credit: @sweeperpod/X
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