World Cup
Punters pile into Ireland to qualify for World Cup
80% of bets on Ireland to qualify via European Pathway D
An incredible four out of five bets on William Hill’s European Pathway D winner market have been placed on the Republic of Ireland, with punters fancying their chances of securing a place at this summer’s World Cup.
The leading bookmaker have seen 80% of bets on Ireland, who are 3/1 to qualify ahead of Path D rivals Denmark (5/6), Czech Republic (5/2) and North Macedonia (12/1).
Ireland must first negotiate an opening play-off fixture with Czech Republic on Thursday evening where they are 5/4 underdogs to win the tie in Prague, with their rivals the 11/20 favourites to progress to the play-off final.
Despite their underdog status, again around 80% of bets on the game have been placed on Ireland.
World Cup 2026 – European Path D Winner:
Denmark – 5/6
Czech Republic – 5/2
Republic of Ireland – 3/1
North Macedonia – 12/1
Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland – Winner of the Tie:
Czech Republic – 11/20
Republic of Ireland – 5/4
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “Confidence is high among our punters that Ireland can defy the odds on Thursday night and beat Czech Republic in their opening Pathway D World Cup play-off, with over 80% of bets placed on The Boys in Green.
“It’s a similar story in our outright market on which side will qualify from European Pathway D, with punters piling into Ireland, seeing four out of five bets on Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side to qualify for the World Cup despite them being 3/1 third favourites, behind Denmark (5/6) and Czech Republic (5/2).
“If they can beat the Czechs in Prague on Thursday evening we expect more money to flow in for the Irish as they seek a World Cup spot for the first time since 2002.”
