IT’S ALMOST TIME for the Republic of Ireland to take the next step towards qualification for the 2026 World Cup, as they travel to Prague on Thursday for a play-off semi-final against Czechia.

RTÉ2, RTÉ Player and RTÉ Radio 1 will have live coverage from the Fortuna Stadium as Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side aim to reach a home play-off final in the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday 31 March against either Denmark or North Macedonia.

Darragh Maloney will be joined in Prague by Didi Hamann and Shay Given for live coverage from 7.00pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, with Des Curran and Ronnie Whelan providing match commentary.

RTÉ Soccer Correspondent Tony O’Donoghue will also be in the Czechia capital with coverage from the Irish camp.

Jacqui Hurley will anchor RTÉ Radio 1′s Inside Sport from 6pm-10pm on the day of the game, with live commentary coming from John Kenny and Kenny Cunningham. 

Marie Crowe will also provide live radio coverage from the centre of Prague on the eve of the match.

Morning Ireland and Liveline will be involved in the coverage too, along with David Sneyd of The 42 and the Second Captains podcast team.