Ireland’s Football Passion Knows No Bounds

Ireland's absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has left a sense of what might have been. 

Many fans fondly recall the glory days of ‘94 in the USA or the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, where they reached the Round of 16 on both occasions.

Another tournament without their much-loved “Boys in Green” has been a bitter pill to swallow for Irish footy fans, known the world over for their football fervour, but there is one consolation.

Football Passion and Growing Betting Culture

From packed pubs in Dublin to Cork and Galway, Irish fans have a passion for the game that extends far beyond the national team.

Ireland's football fans are also known to be among Europe's most enthusiastic sports bettors, with many punters adding another level of excitement to matches through wagering. The knockout stages of the World Cup always bring a fresh wave of betting interest.

Best Bets for the Upcoming Rounds of WC2026

World Cups have a habit of producing huge upsets, so if you think an underdog can spring a surprise, it may be smarter to back them in a double or to qualify for the next round rather than simply to win once off. 

Here are some of the most popular World Cup betting markets:

• Both Teams to Score: Knockout matches can be cagey, but when two attacking sides collide, goals at both ends are always a possibility.
• Over 2.5 Goals: Ideal for games featuring adventurous teams or defences that have looked shaky during the group stage.
• To Qualify: A great option when a match is tight, as qualification doesn’t necessarily always mean winning.
• Correct Score: A high-risk, high-reward bet for punters who have the confidence to predict the exact result, with no room for error.
• First Goalscorer: Star forwards often step up on the biggest stage. Sweden, for example, has Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres.

Looking at form, injuries, suspensions, and recent team performances is also a key indicator of how well or poorly a team may perform in upcoming matches or across the entire tournament.

Recommended Sportsbooks for Irish Bettors:

Here are the top sportsbooks we recommend for the best footy-betting action in Ireland:

1. 22BET Sports offers live streaming of sports events, as well as pre-match and in-play betting, and a Welcome Bonus of up to €122.
2. Stake Sports is one of the world's premier sports betting venues. With support for multiple cryptocurrencies and a Welcome Bonus of up to $2,000, it's easy to understand why. 
3. Bet365 Sports offers a 100% Match Bonus up to €200 and is a name synonymous with sports betting worldwide.

Football Fever Reaches Irish Online Casinos

If sports betting simply isn’t piquing your interest at the moment, here are our suggestions that are sure to help your search for an enjoyable gaming experience: 

• Casino Gaming: Are you a big-time slot fan? Then why not try one of the many footie-inspired slots like Gold Cup at Ivibet Casino in Ireland to keep the action going after the final whistle?
• Esports: Have you ever wondered about eSports, but never got around to trying it? Well, why not have a go at one of the competitive eFootball championships at bet365 Esports?
• Virtual Sports: If Virtual Football between WC2026 matches sounds worth a try, then head to bet365 Casino for the most exciting vSports action available around the clock.
• Live Casino: If live dealer games are what you’re after, then look no further than V.Vegas Casino for a choice selection of games to enjoy day or night.

Popular Casinos for Irish Gaming Fans:

Here are some superb Irish online casinos to try between World Cup matches:

1. Netbet Casino, one of the top-rated gaming sites in Ireland, offers a wide selection of the top branded casino games and up to €1,500 + 100 Free Spins as a Welcome Bonus.  
2. 22Bet Casino offers up to €1,500 + 150 Free Spins on your first 4 deposits when you play their entertaining slots and live casino games from the top software providers. 
3. Boomerang Bet Casino has the finest selection of online casino games and outstanding promos available, including a Welcome Bonus of up to €500 + 220 Free Spins.

Are you looking for sports betting action to quench your thirst, or the thrill of footy-themed slot gameplay? OCR has researched the top online casinos and trusted sports betting venues for you to enjoy in Ireland!