Roma striker Evan Ferguson will miss the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off after being ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury. The 21-year-old has scored five goals in 22 appearances for the Serie A club but his season has been hampered by a number of injuries. The Republic of Ireland face the Czech Republic on 26 March in a play-off semi-final and either Denmark or North Macedonia in a final if they win in Prague. Ferguson scored three goals for Heimir Hallgrimsson's side in the qualifying campaign, but he missed the win over Portugal and dramatic last-gasp victory in Hungary that secured the play-off through injury. Should the Republic of Ireland qualify for a first World Cup since 2002 they would be in Group A with co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and South Africa.

Source: BBC March 07, 2026 15:53 UTC