How to watch Czech Republic vs Ireland in UK and USA — TV channel, live stream, team news

The Republic of Ireland is just two games away from securing its place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but must first overcome the Czech Republic on Thursday if it is to have any chance of competing at this year's finals

Ireland aims to keep alive its World Cup dream when it travels to face the Czech Republic in a semifinal playoff on Thursday(Image: Getty Images)

The Republic of Ireland faces a tricky-looking trip to face the Czech Republic on Thursday as it aims to move one step closer to a first World Cup appearance in over two decades.

The Boys in Green make the trip to Prague for a one-legged UEFA play-off semifinal, hoping to secure an all-important win that would see them face either Denmark or North Macedonia in the playoff final in Dublin five days later.

Liverpool currently has 13 players who have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while the same number are competing with their countries during this month's international break.

Ireland's hosts on Thursday, however, will just as likely fancy their chances of success. The Czech Republic is desperate to end its own World Cup woes, having failed to qualify for each of the last four tournaments since its last appearance in 2002.

With this being a game that could go either way, you won't want to miss any of the action, so Liverpool.com has provided all the information you need for the Czech Republic vs. Ireland.

When is Czech Republic

Czech Republic vs Ireland will kick off at 7:45pm GMT (3:45pm ET / 12:45pm PT) on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Fortuna Arena in Prague — the home of SK Slavia Prague.

The last meeting between these two sides came back in February 2012, when they played out a 1-1 draw at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in an international friendly.

Ireland will take on the Czech Republic at the Fortuna Arena in Prague(Image: Getty Images)

Thursday's game, however, will mark Ireland's first trip to Czechia since September 2007, when the Boys in Green fell to a 1-0 defeat in Euro 2012 qualifying — the nation's 150th defeat in international matches.

How to watch

Fans in the U.K. will be able to watch the match via Amazon Prime Video Pay-Per-View for £2.49, with no subscription required, while those in Ireland can tune in on RTE 2 and the RTE Player.

For viewers watching from the U.S., you can catch all the action on Paramount.

Team news

The Czech Republic will be without a pair of wingers for the tie, as the experienced Vaclav Cerny misses out due to family reasons, while Adam Hlozek struggles with a fitness issue. Celtic's Tomas Cvancara has not been selected.

The hosts, however, will be able to rely on stalwarts such as Vladimir Coufal and West Ham's Tomas Soucek, along with Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick, who has scored four goals in six qualifiers so far.

As for Ireland, national hero Troy Parrott, who has already scored 34 goals this season, is back amongst the squad and can be expected to start, while more good news comes in the form of Robbie Brady's return from injury.

Roma striker Evan Ferguson, however, misses out with an ankle injury, as do the suspended duo of Festy Ebosele and Liam Scales, but the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Seamus Coleman and Nathan Collins are all fit and raring to feature.