The Boys in Green finished second in their qualifying group behind Portugal, with a hat-trick from former Town loanee Troy Parrott – including a 96th minute winner – seeing off Hungary to earn a play-off spot.
They will travel to Prague next Thursday (7:45pm) to take on Czechia in a one-off semi-final tie. The winner will progress to face Denmark or North Macedonia on Tuesday, March 31st (7:45pm) for a spot at the World Cup.
Ireland haven’t played at the tournament since 2002.
The squad includes Town skipper Dara O’Shea (41 caps) and Jack Taylor (10 caps). Sam Szmodics (11 caps) and Chiedozie Ogbene (30 caps), on loan at Derby County and Sheffield United respectively, are also included.
Ipswich winger Kasey McAteer misses out, as does ex-Blue David McGoldrick, who had been linked with a call-up due to his impressive form at League One side Barnsley.
Your Ireland squad for the FIFA World Cup 26 Qualifying Play-Offs is in 🇮🇪@QPR’s Harvey Vale receives his first senior Ireland call-up as Alan Browne & Robbie Brady both return 👏
Thu 26th March | 🇨🇿 v 🇮🇪
Tue 31st March | 🇮🇪 v 🇩🇰/🇲🇰 pic.twitter.com/1DQoBpXrx3
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 19, 2026