Ireland Manager Hunt: The 5 Names Most Likely to Take Charge Before Euro 2028

Just two games into the Republic of Ireland’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, most fans and pundits have already resigned themselves to the prospect of the team missing out on North America next summer.

A late equaliser against Hungary in Dublin was followed by a dreadful 2-1 defeat away to Armenia — one of the most disastrous results in the country’s football history. When Heimir Hallgrimsson took the job, his contract ran until the end of the World Cup cycle. However, after a nightmare start to the campaign, that end may be arriving sooner rather than later for the former Iceland boss.

Given the results so far, it looks highly unlikely that Hallgrimsson will be the man to lead Ireland to their first World Cup appearance since 2002. Unless he and his players can conjure up a sporting miracle over the next four matches, the FAI will surely be searching for a new manager in the not-too-distant future.

With that in mind, let’s look at five of the likeliest contenders for the job.

5 Top Contenders to Be the Next Republic of Ireland Manager

Damien Duff

Former Irish star Damien Duff is considered the early favourite if, as expected, the FAI begins the hunt for a new boss after November’s final group matches. Duff won the league with Shelbourne during his time in the League of Ireland and would be a hugely popular choice to take over. His ability to get the best out of his Shelbourne players, along with his talent for creating a siege mentality, were hallmarks of his managerial success — traits that could prove invaluable in the national setup. However, Duff has also been a vocal critic of the FAI, raising doubts about whether the two sides can work together.

Chris Hughton

Chris Hughton, who won 53 caps for Ireland, has long been linked with the national team job. He served as Brian Kerr’s assistant before embarking on a lengthy managerial career of his own. Hughton has managed Newcastle United, Norwich City, and Brighton in the Premier League. However, his more recent stints with Nottingham Forest and Ghana were underwhelming. With just four wins in 13 matches for Ghana before being sacked in under a year, his reputation as a steady, reliable option may no longer carry as much weight. While some feel his time has passed, the FAI might still view him as a safe pair of hands ahead of Euro 2028.

Robbie Keane

Another legendary Irish footballer in contention is record goal scorer Robbie Keane. Despite being relatively new to management, he has already secured league titles in Israel and Hungary and is widely regarded as a coach on the rise. His relationship with the FAI has been strained due to a contract dispute during Stephen Kenny’s appointment, but the current Ferencváros boss could be the man to lead Ireland into a home European Championship.

Stephen Bradley

Stephen Bradley deserves to be considered thanks to his remarkable record with Shamrock Rovers over the past nine years. Rovers are on course for their fifth title in six seasons under Bradley and are set for their second consecutive UEFA Conference League group stage after eliminating Portuguese side Santa Clara. Skeptics will point to Stephen Kenny’s ill-fated stint, suggesting that success in the League of Ireland doesn’t always translate to international management. However, Bradley’s European experience sets him apart and could make him a serious candidate.

John O’Shea

Current assistant coach John O’Shea is another name likely to surface should the job become available. O’Shea enjoyed a decorated playing career at Manchester United and won 118 caps for Ireland. However, his coaching credentials are less convincing. Having served as an assistant to both Stephen Kenny and Hallgrimsson, he has been part of two unsuccessful setups. His four-game stint as interim boss in 2024 was also underwhelming. Despite this, O’Shea’s stature as a player and national icon could still see him enter the conversation.

Conclusion

It may seem premature to speculate about a new Ireland manager while Hallgrimsson remains in charge, but given the results and performances in the opening fixtures, his time looks increasingly limited. Quite simply, he has four games to save his job. If he fails, the FAI will almost certainly be seeking his replacement. Whether it ends up being one of the five men above remains to be seen.