Ireland lost to the Czech Republic in the semifinal of their World Cup qualifying path, with the result marred even more by the horror injury suffered by Sammie Szmodics late in extra time
19:42 ET, 26 Mar 2026Updated 20:01 ET, 26 Mar 2026
Sammie Szmodics was stretchered off after suffering a head injury in extra time(Image: Getty Images)
Sammie Szmodics is now conscious but will remains in hospital in Prague overnight.
Szmodics suffered a horrific head injury and was stretchered off just moments after coming on as a late substitute in the World Cup playoff loss against the Czech Republic. With the chance to advance to a first World Cup since 2002, Ireland took a two-goal lead in Prague only for the hosts to respond and win the penalty shootout.
Szmodics was trusted by manager Heimir Hallgrimsson to come on late in extra time and take a penalty, but his injury ruled him out. He was stretchered off the field just minutes after coming on as a substitute, with the attacking midfielder landed awkwardly after an aerial collision.
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Immediately after, physios rushed onto the field to attend to him. Broadcast cameras refused to show replays of the knock, highlighting the severity of the incident, while Szmodics was surrounded by medics.
He was ultimately given a standing ovation as the 30-year-old was carried off on a stretcher. After full-time, Szmodics was reportedly still unconscious in hospital.
Szmodics is now conscious but remains in the hospital. His injury came after he collided with Stepan Chaloupek, with the duo competing for a high ball. The midfielder immediately collapsed to the ground and seemed to display involuntary arm movement.
“He was knocked out cold,” Ireland coach Hallgrimsson said. “At least he’s conscious now. He will stay here tonight.”
Hallgrimsson was hopeful that Szmodics would fly back on Friday.
Sammie Szmodics was stretchered off after being treated by medical staff(Image: DAZN)
With the score at 2-2 after extra time, the game went to a penalty shootout. After qualifying hero Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, and Robbie Brady each scored, Mojmir Chytil was denied by Brentford’s Caoimhin Kelleher. Ireland led 3-2 in the shootout and dared to dream of a playoff final – and a chance to reach the World Cup.
However, it wasn’t to be for the Irish fans in attendance. Finn Azaz missed the next kick as Matej Kovar dove to his right to make the save, and just as Parrott did before him, Patrick Schick nets his second spot kick of the game with ease to tie things up.
In sudden death, Alan Browne stepped up and struck a poor penalty to his right that was read by Kovaj. The goalkeeper denied him before Jan Kliment confidently stepped up and smashed the ball into the top left corner. The Czechs advanced, setting up a playoff final on Tuesday against Denmark following their 4-0 win over North Macedonia.
Ireland entered the shootout with a poor record from the spot. The country had contested three prior shootouts, beating Romania in the 1990 World Cup, losing to Spain in the 2002 World Cup, and losing to Slovakia in the Euro 2020 play-offs. The poor history continued on Thursday.
The Czech Republic is now one game away from a first World Cup appearance since 2006, while Ireland’s 24-year wait for World Cup qualification continues.