Brentford pair Nathan Collins and Caoimhín Kelleher have both been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for this month’s World Cup play-offs, with a semi-final against Czechia now standing between them and a potential Aviva Stadium decider.
Nathan Collins and Caoimhín Kelleher have been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying play-offs. Heimir Hallgrímsson’s squad, announced ahead of the March fixtures, includes both Bees players as Ireland prepare for a single-leg semi-final away to Czechia in Prague on March 26.
Brentford pair remain central to Ireland plans
For Brentford, the call-ups are no surprise. Collins has become one of the leading figures in the Ireland setup and was named Brentford club captain ahead of the 2025/26 season. The centre-back has also taken on major responsibility at international level, with Brentford noting last summer that he had captained his country repeatedly after first wearing the armband in September 2024.
Kelleher, meanwhile, joined Brentford from Liverpool on a five-year deal in June and arrived as an established Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper, having started for Ireland in every game through the World Cup Qualifying Group Stage.
Czechia first, then a possible Dublin final
The immediate task is a difficult one. Ireland travel to the Fortuna Arena to face Czechia on Thursday, March 26, with the winner moving on to the final on Tuesday, March 31 against either Denmark or North Macedonia. The broader play-off structure has been set since November, with Czech Republic, the Republic of Ireland, Denmark and North Macedonia making up the UEFA Path D. The winner of that path will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The March 31 final would be staged at the Aviva Stadium if Hallgrímsson’s side come through the semi-final, which gives the squad a clear incentive beyond just survival in Prague. Collins and Kelleher are in the same pathway as team-mate Mikkel Damsgaard’s Denmark who also recieved an international call up.
What it means for the Duo
Both are now heading into matches with major stakes, and both will expect to play central roles if Ireland are to move one step closer to the World Cup.
Should Ireland come through the path, the reward is already mapped out. A win against the Czech Republic will see a final against either Denmark or North Macedonia for a treasured spot in the 2026 World Cup.
The winners of UEFA Path D will go into Group A at the World Cup alongside Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.
For now, though, that bigger picture can wait. Collins and Kelleher have first been asked to help Ireland through a high-pressure week that could define their international year.