Republic of Ireland Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Squad

Heimir Hallgrimsson was appointed manager of the Republic of Ireland in July 2024, with the crucial task of leading the national team to its first major championship since Euro 2016.

He has overseen 10 games to date, securing 4 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses. While he successfully guided the team to a Nations League Playoff victory over Bulgaria, the spotlight remains on how the former coach of Iceland and Jamaica will perform during the World Cup qualifiers.

That critical moment has arrived, as Hallgrimsson's Irish squad prepares to host Hungary—our expected rival for the second spot in the group—in Dublin on September 6th, before heading to Armenia for an away match on September 9th.

Ireland’s Path to the World Cup

A concise but intense qualification campaign awaits Hallgrimsson and the Irish players. Following the opening fixtures against Hungary and Armenia, the team will travel to Portugal on October 11th to face the group’s clear favourites. Three days later, on October 14th, Armenia will return to Dublin for a rematch. The qualification process concludes with a home match against Portugal on November 13th, followed by an away fixture in Hungary on November 16th.

The significance of the opening match against Hungary cannot be overstated. This match is pivotal as the team strives for a place in next summer’s World Cup in America, Mexico, and Canada. A victory against what is likely the team's biggest rival for the runner-up spot (especially with Portugal dominating the group) would send a strong message for the remainder of the campaign and set the stage for the team’s future efforts.

The Importance of the Opening Fixtures

Securing a victory against Hungary, currently ranked 38th in the world—22 places ahead of Ireland—would spark excitement among Irish supporters. In the previous two qualification campaigns for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, Irish fans witnessed their team lose both of their opening qualifying matches, which dashed any hopes of qualification right from the start.

A triumph against Marco Rossi’s side would not only raise team morale but also instil optimism for the away match against Armenia just three days later, as supporters consider the potential achievements of a Hallgrimsson-led Irish team in the months to come.

Who’s in and Who’s out?

Given the significance of the forthcoming matches, Hallgrimsson has opted for a largely settled squad of 23 players. While a few surprises have emerged in the selection, most of the squad comprises first-team regulars with their clubs, marking arguably the strongest pool of talent Hallgrimsson has had access to since his appointment.

Seamus Coleman has been omitted from Hallgrimsson’s 23-man squad, which sees several players returning from injury or having been rested during the summer friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg back in June.

In goal, Gavin Bazunu returns after missing the last camp due to injury. Bazunu has kicked off the season strongly with Southampton and will be looking to challenge Caoimhin Kelleher for the No. 1 spot this season.

In defense, Robbie Brady, who has become a key component of Hallgrimsson’s strategy, is sidelined due to injury, leaving Southampton’s Ryan Manning as the only recognised left-back in the squad. Nathan Collins is expected to captain the team in Coleman’s absence, and the newly appointed Brentford skipper in the Premier League is joined by Hallgrimsson regulars Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien, and Liam Scales in defence.

Additionally, Stoke City’s Bosun Lawal, a highly touted prospect, has been called up. He is the only uncapped player in the squad but has started the season as a defender for Stoke City and is also a viable option as a holding midfielder. This presents an intriguing possibility for the manager, considering Lawal’s technical ability and physical prowess.

QPR’s Jimmy Dunne is somewhat of a surprising inclusion, given he has only made one appearance for the London club this season, which came in a 7-1 defeat to Coventry City. His selection may have benefitted from Andrew Omobamidele’s injury, though the manager could have chosen Festy Ebosele or Callum O’Dowda as defensive alternatives.

In midfield, Killian Phillips, who made his international debut in June, has once again been included. Like Dunne, Phillips may have experienced an opportunity due to an injury to a more established player, specifically Will Smallbone. Finn Azaz, Chiedozie Ogbene, Sammie Szmodics, and Mikey Johnston are also among those called up after missing the summer matches due to a combination of injury and rest.

The Republic of Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu, Caoimhin Kelleher, Mark Travers

Defenders: Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien, Liam Scales, Matt Doherty, Ryan Manning, Jimmy Dunne, Bosun Lawal.

Midfielders: Josh Cullen, Jason Knight, Jack Taylor, Killian Phillips, Finn Azaz

Forwards: Evan Ferguson, Troy Parrott, Sammie Szmodics, Mikey Johnston, Chiedozie Ogbene, Adam Idah, Kasey McAteer.