The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues on Thursday as the play-offs for a spot in this summer’s tournament commence. The winner of Czechia vs. Ireland will take on the winner of Denmark vs. North Macedonia for a place in the World Cup.
It’s essentially a four-team bracket for one spot in the tournament. The winner of this bracket will enter Group A of the World Cup alongside Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.
Czechia are -105 favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook for this one, with a draw available at +245. Fancy an Ireland upset? They are +285 on the moneyline.
Czechia are -205 to advance, while the Irish are listed at +155.
Czechia vs. Ireland First Goalscorer Pick
I’m taking the man who got Ireland into this play-off to score first in this game. Troy Parrott was huge for the Irish in their last two games of qualifying, scoring two goals against Portugal and then three against Hungary in the last two must win games of qualifying. In both of those games, he was the first goalscorer.
Parrott became an Irish legend overnight, and I’m backing him to continue that recent form on Thursday.
Due to injury problems, Parrott only started those two games in Ireland’s World Cup qualifying. In total, he made four appearances in eight games. He certainly made his presence felt when he did play, leading the Irish with five goals. Only eight players in UEFA World Cup qualifying scored more times than him, and all eight of those players featured in at least six games.
Parrott has also been producing the goods for his club. He’s played his last two seasons in the Dutch league for AZ Alkmaar. Parrott has netted 14 times in 21 starts and 23 total appearances so far this season in the Eredivisie. That’s good enough for joint second in the league. The season before in 2024/25, he also scored 14 goals in 27 starts and 30 appearances, which was the joint third-best mark in the league.
When he’s fit and available, Troy Parrott scores goals. I think if there’s anyone who can get this Irish team back to their first World Cup since 2002, it’s going to be him.
