The Republic of Ireland booked their place in the World Cup qualifying play-off in dramatic fashion on Sunday afternoon, scoring a 96th minute winner to secure a 3-2 win away at Hungary.Paddy Power have now boosted the odds for the nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup through March’s play-offs, now pricing their success at 4/1, up from 7/2, a boost which can added straight into your bet slip using the following link.Paddy Power – Get 4/1 on Republic of Ireland to qualify for the World Cup (was 7/2)The Republic of Ireland booked their place in the World Cup play-offs in the most dramatic of endings to their final Group F match against Hungary in Budapest.Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side headed into the November international break with just one win from their opening four qualifiers, knowing nothing less than victories in their last two matches, at home against Portugal and away at Hungary, to have any chance of reaching the play-offs.A Troy Parrott double, combined with a red card for Cristiano Ronaldo, saw the Irish secure an unlikely 2-0 win over Portugal, which left them knowing a win over Hungary in Budapest in their final match would guarantee their place in March’s play-offs.The Boys in Green were a goal down within three minutes in Budapest before Parrott pulled a goal back from the penalty spot, before falling behind once again just before half time.Hungary were on top for the large majority of the game but Ireland’s former Tottenham striker struck again with 10 minutes to play to leave them needing just one more goal, which they bundled in in the 96th minute to send the Irish fans and bench into delirium, Parrott the hat trick hero to mark his fifth goal in two games.Republic of Ireland’s second placed finish in Group F means they will be partaking in March’s play-offs, in which 16 teams will compete for the final four European spots in Canada, the USA and Mexico next summer.Hallgrimsson’s men look like being seeded into Pot 2 out of four for Thursday’s draw for the play-offs, which will mean a home semi final against a team from Pot 3, currently looking like being one of Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Kosovo.Should the Republic of Ireland win their home semi final, they will progress through to the final for a winner takes all clash against the winner of the other semi in their Path, the location to be decided via a draw which will also take place on Thursday.Ireland will head into March’s play offs in good form, having won each of their last three matches, as they bid to reach just a fourth ever World Cup appearance and a first since 2002.Paddy Power – Bet £10 and get £50 in free bet builders – CLAIM HERE*Free Bet OffersSee all the best free bets and betting offers available in the UK over at our dedicated pageSee all free bets18+ gambleaware.org. T&Cs applyMost read in BettingScotland vs Denmark predictions and betting tips - Winner takes all in GlasgowCavaliers vs Bucks odds, predictions, and betting tips - Cavs hit with injuriesPremier League winner odds as the 2025/26 season heats up: Arsenal now in pole positionWales v North Macedonia prediction, betting tips and bet builder - Top two Dragons finish?Northern Ireland v Luxembourg prediction, betting tips and bet builderBest Pay by Mobile Casino UK (November 2025) Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*New Customer offer. Place a min £10 bet on Football on odds of min 1.5 (1/2), get £50 in Free Bet Builders after the qualifying bet has been settled. Rewards valid for 90 days. Only deposits via Pay by Bank, cards & Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly.