Harvey Vale Earns First Republic of Ireland Call-Up for World Cup Play-Offs

QPR midfielder Harvey Vale has been included in Heimir Hallgrímsson’s 25-man Republic of Ireland squad for their upcoming World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic. The call-up marks a potential debut for the 22-year-old, who recently switched his international allegiance from England.

The match will take place next Thursday in Prague, with a victory propelling Ireland into a final play-off against either Denmark or North Macedonia for a coveted spot at the 2026 World Cup. Hallgrímsson’s squad selection comes alongside a contract extension for the head coach, securing his position through the Euro 2028 tournament, which Ireland will co-host.

Vale’s Journey to the Emerald Isle

Vale, who joined QPR from Chelsea last season, was eligible to represent Ireland through his Irish passport. FIFA ratified his allegiance switch last week, paving the way for his inclusion in the national team. Hallgrímsson revealed he had contacted Vale over a year ago, expressing his interest in the player joining the squad.

“He expressed a desire to play for Ireland,” Hallgrímsson stated. “He was injured then, so we have been watching him… his development at Queens Park. He’s been growing by every game and I think it’s a perfect time to bring him into this squad now.”

The manager highlighted Vale’s potential, describing him as a “good player, good person, hard-working guy, creator of chances, scoring goals.” He believes Vale is best suited to a central role, despite his versatility at club level.

Squad Overview and Key Inclusions

Alongside Vale, other players included in the squad are:

• Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Mark Travers (Everton), Josh Keeley (Luton Town)
• Defenders: Séamus Coleman (Everton), Jimmy Dunne (QPR), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Jake O’Brien (Everton), John Egan (Hull City), James Abankwah (Watford), Liam Scales (Celtic), Robbie Brady (Preston North End), Ryan Manning (Southampton)
• Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Bosun Lawal (Stoke City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Alan Browne (Middlesbrough), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Finn Azaz (Southampton), Harvey Vale (QPR)
• Attackers: Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Johnny Kenny (Bolton, on loan from Celtic), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United, on loan from Ipswich Town), Sammie Szmodics (Derby, on loan from Ipswich Town)

Hallgrímsson’s Contract Extension and Future Plans

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) announced Hallgrímsson’s contract extension, which will see him lead the team through the Euro 2028 campaign. Ireland will co-host the tournament alongside the UK, with Dublin set to host seven fixtures. The FAI stated the new deal provides “stability and clarity” ahead of the crucial World Cup play-offs.

Looking ahead, Ireland has also scheduled a friendly match against Grenada on May 16th as part of a training camp in Murcia, Spain, and are seeking to arrange another friendly during that camp. Further international fixtures include a match against Qatar on May 28th at the Aviva Stadium and a game against Canada in Montreal on June 6th.

The World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic will be broadcast on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Thursday, March 26th, with coverage beginning at 7pm Irish time.