Korea fight back to see off Czechia

Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu gave South Korea a winning start to the World Cup as they came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1. Oh struck 11 minutes from time after Hwang In-beom’s moment of magic had cancelled out Czech captain Ladislav Krejci’s header in Guadalajara. South Korea made the brighter start, Son Heung-min firing over with Lee Han-Beom heading over the bar before Paris St Germain’s Lee Kang-in forced a save from Matej Kovar with an effort from outside the box.

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Mexico beat South Africa in chaotic World Cup opener

Co-hosts Mexico made a strong start to their 2026 World Cup campaign as they defeated nine-man South Africa at a packed Azteca Stadium in the tournament opener. Three players were sent off in all, with Mexico reduced to 10 men in the closing moments. Mexico had only needed nine minutes before they delighted their fans with the first goal of the finals.

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Ireland held by North Macedonia in drab draw

The Republic of Ireland were unable to soothe the pain from Prague with victory as Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side were held to a 0-0 draw by North Macedonia in their friendly at Aviva Stadium. If the penalty shootout in Czechia last Thursday had gone the Boys in Green’s way, this would have been a play-off decider with a World Cup spot at stake. Instead Ireland and their visitors were left to battle it out in a fixture with nothing to play for.

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Irish heartache as Czechia win shootout ending World Cup dreams

Jan Kliment fired Czechia to within 90 minutes of the World Cup finals as they broke Republic of Ireland hearts in a dramatic penalty shootout to set up a showdown with Denmark. Ireland saw a 2-0 lead evaporate in Prague and again lead in the shootout but missed kicks from Finn Azaz and Alan Browne mean the long wait for an Irish return to the World Cup finals will continue.

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Heimir Hallgrimsson signs contract extension as Ireland manager

Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed his contract has been extended to include the Euro 2028 campaign. Hallgrimsson confirmed the news on Thursday in a press conference announcing a 25-man squad for next Thursday’s World Cup play-off away to Czechia. The new contract comes on the back of a period of excellent progress for the team under Hallgrimsson’s leadership.

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