World Cup
Ireland World Cup 2026 Qualification Odds
Republic of Ireland will head into the 2026 World Cup play-offs knowing that a place on the global stage is within reach, but far from guaranteed.
Priced at 4/1 to win European Path D, they sit behind Denmark and the Czech Republic in the betting.
Battle of Path D
The European Path D play-offs will determine one of UEFA’s final qualifiers for the expanded 2026 World Cup, with Denmark, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland and North Macedonia all vying for a single spot.
The semi-finals are scheduled for March, with Ireland travelling to face Czechia, and the winners of that tie going on to meet either Denmark or North Macedonia in a one-off final.
With the final to be hosted by either Czech Republic or Ireland, there is a significant incentive for the Boys in Green to get the job done in Prague and bring a winner‑takes‑all showdown back to Dublin.
Denmark are justifiably installed as favourites at 8/11, reflecting their recent tournament pedigree, deeper squad and home advantage in a semi-final against North Macedonia.
The Danes have become regulars at major competitions in recent years, showing defensive organisation with enough attacking quality to control high‑pressure games, and they will expect to come through their half of the draw.
Czech Republic, meanwhile, are rated second at 5/2, with home advantage against Ireland and a solid qualifying campaign behind them, even if their ceiling may not be as high as Denmark’s.
Boys In Green given chance at World Cup glory
Republic of Ireland’s 4/1 price reflects a team that has grown in resilience but still needs to prove it can consistently beat higher‑ranked opposition when it matters most.
Under Heimir Hallgrimsson, Ireland have shown improved structure and spirit, notably securing the play-off spot with a dramatic late winner against Hungary, yet questions remain over their ability to create and convert chances against compact defences.
However, there are reasons for optimism that make Ireland an appealing outside bet in this mini‑tournament. The format is tight and volatile: two single-leg ties, one of which could be at a packed Aviva Stadium, where the atmosphere has historically lifted the side to big results.
Ireland’s physical intensity, set‑piece threat and capacity to turn matches into battles rather than open contests can be particularly effective in knockout football.
North Macedonia are the outsiders at around 14/1, but their presence in this path is a reminder that underdogs can upset more established nations in one‑off play-off ties, as they famously did against Italy during qualifying for the previous World Cup. That history will serve as both a warning and an example for Ireland.
From a football betting perspective, Denmark rightly lead the market, yet Ireland’s 4/1 price offers a some risk and reward for those who see potential in their knockout profile, especially with the chance of a possible home final.
With two big performances in March, the Boys in Green could turn that price into one of the stories of the qualification campaign and book a long‑awaited return to the World Cup.
