Czechs await with Hallgrimsson set to open talks on new deal

The fear arises as to whether a counter offer could be tabled while the Ireland boss's contract enters its final weeks and months.

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson at the 2026 Fifa World Cup play-off draw in Zurich. Pic: Priscila Bütler, Inpho

Heimir Hallgrimsson expects to open negotiations with the FAI on a contract extension when the ‘dust settles’ on a scenario where they launched from outsiders to World Cup contenders over the space of four days.

It was anticipated the association would be on the lookout for another manager in 2026 if the campaign petered to a conclusion predicted by many but a stellar return from wins over Hungary and Portugal overhauled the outlook.

Hallgrimsson has managed his native Iceland and Jamaica but has always expressed his desire to remain at the Ireland helm ‘so long as he’s wanted’.

He’s now the man in demand following 2-0 and 3-2 victories over the top two seeds in the group that led to Thursday’s playoff draw pitting them with Czechia for a semi-final clash on March 26.

Should his team, up to 59th in Fifa’s rankings, overcome the side residing 15 places ahead of them, it will set up a shootout against either Denmark or North Macedonia for a place at next summer’s showpiece in USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Given that the FAI claimed they had initially approached Hallgrímsson while he was still preparing Jamaica in the Copa America, the fear arises as to whether another offer could be tabled while his contract enters its final weeks and months.

The 58-year-old wasn’t aware the small print of his deal permitted him to entertain suitors, only adamant he enjoyed a trusting relationship with his employers that facilitates the likelihood of a new deal being hatched.

Ireland’s next meaningful competitive campaign after the World Cup brings them to a Euro 2028 tournament they’ve a strong chance of being part of as hosts regardless of results on the pitch.

“I really don't know if that's allowed, but anyway, it's not in my head,” Hallgrimsson said about fielding queries from clubs or federations with vacancies.

“I've said the same all along that, in my mind, I'm staying here at least until July and I've said that to you guys over and over again.

“That's still my thought. I've always had an open and honest conversation with the FAI. Whether that’s been between the chief executive (David Courell), the President (Paul Cooke) or whoever is on the board.

“Nobody is saying anything behind each other's backs. That's why I'm relaxed on this one.

“We will definitely take the conversation sometime. Whether it will lead to saying something after, you will just have to wait for this.

“This is not what is done in the media. This is just done between people that respect and trust each other.

“When the dust settles, we're going to sit down and just speak together.

“But let's enjoy this moment. Don't be dragging something negative into that thing.

“Like I said, it's always been an honest conversation between us. It will happen sooner or later, but it will not be done in the media. It will be done between me and the FAI.” 

In terms of personnel for the playoff games (the second of which will be a friendly against the other beaten finalist if Ireland are beaten), Hallgrímsson indicated a preference to be loyal to those who have delivered.

Evan Ferguson and Robbie Brady are in line to return but there’s others on the fringes, such as Louie Barry, who are eager for a debut.

In the same manner, Ireland women’s manager Vera Pauw received a barrage of interest from dual-eligible players following their World Cup qualification in 2022, Ireland’s return to the frontline of European football is sure to attract those previously hedging.

Everton winger Kieran Dewsbury-Hall is on the record as declining the offer despite being eligible, insisting his heart rests on an England breakthrough.

“You can say something today but in three months, when we start to look at the squad, it might be a different view,” the Icelander insisted about his squad.

“Answering this question now would be kind of silly, but obviously when you look at what the players did now in this camp, it's difficult not to select and pick them again.

“We don't know how the players will be playing in three months or who will be fit and who will not be playing but when you do well, you tend to stick with the players you were working with.

“What I would say is we're always looking for good footballers to improve what we are doing. If they are eligible to improve us, then I would guess it's open but it's not only my decision.” 

Meanwhile, the manager is adamant the fact Czechia were stunned by Faroe Islands in last month’s qualifier increases his confidence levels.

“This is a crazy sport. You will see all kinds of results and hopefully our defeat in Armenia was a one-off.

“It was no disrespect to Armenia, it was just a poor performance from us. That can happen for us and for the Czechs.

“There should be optimism in our squad. 

“I didn’t care that much who the opponent would be because it’s all teams ranked above.

“I know Czechia as a football nation. I managed against them with Iceland and lost. I know it’s a tough place to go to but anything can happen in this game like we saw in Hungary.

“It’s going to be helpful for us for sure having done what we did in the last three games but Czechia are higher than us in the Fifa rankings.”