Heimir Hallgrimsson has signed a new contract to remain as Republic of Ireland boss until the end of the Euro 2028 qualification cycle.
Hallgrimsson revealed the new deal during the squad announcement for the World Cup play-off with Czechia this afternoon.
He said the decision was made to ensure full focus remains on the upcoming fixtures but also to secure the long-term future of the team.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, he also revealed it was the FAI’s eagerness that made the deal happen now rather than after the play-offs: “We always had open and honest discussions about the future. I just didn’t think it was the correct time to do it earlier.
“I said I wanted to do it after the qualification. It was a big pressure from the association to do it before these play-off matches. I always felt comfortable. I think we are building something. I like the project and hopefully we can do it and I can do it, staying in the job.”
Hallgrimsson’s time in the hot seat was transformed by wins over Portugal and Hungary that led to reaching the play-offs next week.
Ireland secured five competitive wins in 2025 – the first time this has been achieved in 15 years.
Regardless of what happens in the World Cup cycle, Ireland could automatically qualify for Euro 2028 as a co-host, with chances to reach the tournament dramatically increased.
The Ireland boss said: “I am incredibly proud and delighted to commit my future. I have always said that we are on a journey together — the players, the staff, and our incredible supporters.
“I can see the real progress we are making and the huge potential in this group, so it was an easy decision for me to make.
“Signing this now, before the play-offs, is a statement of our shared belief and allows us to focus 100% on the massive task ahead of us in March without any distractions.
“I really believe that we are on a continuous journey in the right direction and I’d like to thank the association for showing their belief in me to take the team forward.”
John O’Shea is yet to pen a new deal but Hallgrimsson stated that the assistant is eager to remain in place.
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Watch Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 7pm on Thursday, 26 March. Follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app or listen to commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.