Ireland games will kick-off in early hours if they reach World Cup
James Cox
The Republic of Ireland now know they will face South Korea, South Africa and Mexico if they qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with some games kicking off at very unsociable hours in Irish time.
The World Cup draw in Washington DC confirmed Ireland's potential opponents and the times make for interesting reading.
Ireland's first game would be against South Korea in Guadalajara played at 9pm local time on Thursday, June 11th, which is 3am in Irish time on Friday, June 12th.
The next game would be at a convenient 5pm Irish time for fans, against South Africa in Atlanta on Thursday, June 18th.
The final group game would be against the hosts Mexico in Mexico City on Wednesday, June 24th, at 8pm local time, which is 2am Irish time on Thursday, June 25th.
Before thinking about World Cup times, Ireland face a playoff semi-final against the Czech Republic in March followed by a final against either Denmark or North Macedonia, which will take place in the Aviva Stadium if Ireland make it.
Group A fixtures:
June 11/12th: South Korea v Uefa Path D (including Ireland), Guadalajara, 9pm local time (3am Irish time)
June 18th: Uefa Path D (including Ireland) v South Africa, Atlanta, 12pm local time (5pm Irish time)
June 24/25th: Uefa Path D (including Ireland) v Mexico, Mexico City, 8pm local time (2am Irish time)