Sammie Szmodics out of hospital and ‘on the mend’ after collision in play-offDamian Spellman, PARepublic of Ireland striker Sammie Szmodics has been released from hospital in Prague after being knocked unconscious during Thursday night’s World Cup play-off defeat by the Czech Republic. Szmodics was carried from the field on a stretcher and taken straight to the hospital, where Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson later revealed he would spend the night under observation. A Football Association of Ireland spokesperson said on Friday morning: “Sammie Szmodics was transferred to hospital yesterday having sustained a head injury during extra time of the play-off against Czechia. And thank you to the medical staff who acted so quickly to help me. On the mend.”

Source: Irish Independent March 27, 2026 16:15 UTC