A look back at the Republic of Ireland’s three World Cup appearances
With qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico already underway, the Republic of Ireland are hoping to end a 24-year wait for a return to football’s biggest stage.
Not since Japan and South Korea in 2002 have the Boys in Green reached the finals, but a new generation of talent is aiming to write a fresh chapter in Irish footballing history.
To stay on top of every qualifier and result, get the app – the LiveScore app offers all the action, stats,
As we look ahead, it’s also worth looking back at Ireland’s three previous World Cup appearances, which helped shape the nation’s proud sporting identity and produced memories to last a lifetime.
Italia 90: A nation holds its breath
Ireland’s first World Cup appearance came under the charismatic Jack Charlton, and it would spark a footballing revolution across the country.
Facing a tough Group F alongside England, the Netherlands and Egypt, the Irish defied expectations by reaching the knockout stages without winning a single group match – drawing all three games.
A dramatic penalty shootout win over Romania in the Round of 16, sealed by David O’Leary’s famous spot-kick, sent Ireland into the quarter-finals, where they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by hosts Italy in Rome. The team’s dogged spirit, strong defensive structure, and the nation’s euphoric support back home made Italia ’90 one of the most celebrated moments in Irish sporting history.
USA 94: Beating the best
Four years later, Ireland returned to the World Cup stage in the United States, again with Charlton at the helm.
Grouped with Italy, Mexico and Norway, Ireland made headlines with a famous 1-0 win over eventual finalists Italy in their opening match – Ray Houghton’s looping strike sparking scenes of jubilation from New Jersey to Dublin.
A defeat to Mexico and a goalless draw with Norway saw them through to the Round of 16, but their campaign ended with a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands. Despite the early exit, USA ’94 reaffirmed Ireland’s place among the game’s elite, with the team once again punching above its weight on the world stage.
Japan & South Korea 2002: Keane out, but Ireland fight on
Ireland’s most recent World Cup appearance was in 2002, a tournament remembered as much for what happened off the pitch as on it. Roy Keane’s dramatic departure from the squad following a bust-up with manager Mick McCarthy in Saipan made global headlines – but the team showed resilience in his absence.
Drawn in a tricky group with Germany, Cameroon and Saudi Arabia, Ireland went unbeaten and progressed to the knockout stage after a late Robbie Keane equaliser against Germany. A tense last-16 clash with Spain ended in heartbreak, as Ireland lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Despite the off-field drama, the 2002 campaign once again highlighted Ireland’s fighting spirit and ability to compete with world-class opposition.
Conclusion
It’s been over two decades since Ireland last graced a World Cup finals, but with a new crop of young talent coming through and renewed ambition under Heimir Hallgrímsson, fans are daring to dream again.
Only time will tell if Ireland can return to the grand stage in 2026 – but if history tells us anything, it’s that when the Boys in Green get there, they always leave their mark.
The editorial unit
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS