Ireland’s World Cup qualification chances – permutations to keep in mind and why we’ve only a 13pc chance of play-off place

Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and goalkeeping coach Gudmundur Hreidarsson, left, during the training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

So, Ireland and the 2026 World Cup finals… so you’re telling me there’s a chance, even with a dismal return of one point from a possible nine and are bottom of the group?

Yes, Ireland can still qualify, via the play-offs of course. If Ireland beat Armenia in Dublin tonight and Portugal win at home to Hungary by a couple of goals, Ireland could move from fourth to second in the table and then chase down maximum points in the remaining games, at home to Portugal and

See Full Page