Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Fri 20 March 2026 15:10, UK

Everton star Seamus Coleman may be key in the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup bid, as Heimir Hallgrimsson admits he was “wrong” about the veteran.

At the start of Ireland’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, the right-back didn’t make it into Hallgrimsson’s squad.

Republic of Ireland secured a comeback draw against Hungary before suffering a hugely disappointing loss to Armenia ahead of a daunting trip to Portugal.

But the 37-year-old was brought back into the fold despite a dearth of minutes for Everton, as Ireland fell to a spirited 1-0 loss in Lisbon.

Even though Coleman has made just three Premier League appearances for Everton this season, national team boss Hallgrimsson is well aware of the impact Coleman has had as they prepare for the play-offs.

Republic of Ireland boss admits to Seamus Coleman mistakes

Since Coleman’s reintroduction, Ireland would go on to have a marked improvement in Group F.

The Irish secured three straight wins, including an impressive victory over group winners Portugal and a stunning comeback in Hungary.

Coleman has played just five times for Everton this season. Despite that, Hallgrimsson knows he can rely on the full-back ahead of a World Cup semi-final play-off against the Czech Republic in Prague next Thursday.

“Seamus proved me wrong,” said the Republic of Ireland manager. “Coming in, he just proved me wrong. He was ready when I was doubting him and when you’re wrong, you learn.

“That’s life, you do mistakes and you take wrong decisions and to grow you need to learn from those things. Definitely in Seamus’ case it was the wrong decision at that time.”

For many managers, Coleman’s lack of minutes this season would be a concern. But it seems he has enough credit in the back, along with his know-how, to do a job for the Irish.

Just having an experienced head like Coleman in a national team squad is likely to be invaluable. Whether he can deliver again for his country remains to be seen.

Could Coleman soon call time on his career?

Coleman has spent the vast majority of his career at Everton since signing from Sligo Rovers way back in 2009.

He has since racked up more than 400 appearances for the Toffees, scoring 28 goals along the way.

But his first-team appearances have continually dried up in recent seasons, with the ex-Blackpool loanee playing just 24 times in the past three campaigns.

Coleman is coming to the end of his Everton contract, with the veteran’s future far from certain.

If he does leave this summer, he will hope to secure Everton European football for the first time since 2018.

If Coleman can secure a first-ever World Cup appearance by beating the Czechs, followed by a play-off final against either Denmark or North Macedonia in Dublin on 31 March, the defender may call time on his illustrious career.