Mick McCarthy's boys might already be eastward-bound, but the vast majority of Irish fans are set to cheer them on in Japan from the comfort of their local pub, couch or sushi bar.
High prices and long distances have put most supporters off travelling to the Far East, according to a survey of travel agents.
The FAI says it has sold 3,500 to 4,000 tickets to each of Ireland's first-round matches. It says everyone who wanted a ticket got one, at least until last week's deadline.
When fans who booked through FIFA's website and Irish people living in Asia are added in, this means that about 5,000 to 6,000 green-jerseyed fans are likely to attend Ireland's matches.
The Japanese embassy said it had fielded up to 1,500 inquiries from football fans in recent months.
Most of those who are travelling are set to return at the end of the first round. Few have been optimistic enough to book tickets which would allow them change their return dates in case Ireland qualifies for the second round.
Stephen's Green Classic Sports Travel has about 300 fans travelling to the Far East.
According to Mr Dermot Ryan, about 40 of these have booked tickets with the option to stay on longer if Ireland qualify for the next round.
"So far at least, the take-up of people going to Korea is very small," he said.
There is somewhat more optimism about Ireland's chances among customers of Ray Treacy Travel.
About half of the 400 people who booked their packages through the firm have opted to pay an additional €1,500 for flexible date tickets .
