The Ireland National Team - What’s Next?

Author: Jack Guing, Last Updated: 19 Nov 2024

The Republic of Ireland national team are currently ranked 63rd in the men's FIFA World rankings and they have been on a downward trajectory for a number of years now. New manager Heimir Halgrimsson has had a mixed start to life as the Republic of Ireland manager. Ireland’s nations league campaign will come to an end following this current international break following a home match versus Finland and a trip away to England at Wembley. 2025 will be a huge year for the Republic of Ireland as they will begin their qualification campaign for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in Canada, mexico and the United States of America. Ireland have not qualified for a major tournament since the 2016 European Championships and have not qualified for the FIFA World Cup since 2002, where they reached the Last 16. Let’s look at Ireland’s recent results as well as looking at the potential of their squad for the future.

Ireland’s Recent Results

As mentioned, the Republic of Ireland has had a mixed start to life under new manager Heimir Halgrimsson. The Iceland native began his tenure as Ireland manager with a home game against England, who had former Irish international Lee Carsley taking charge of his first game as interim manager. There was much fuss around the game because of Carsley saying he would not sing the English national anthem. England players Declan Rice an Jack Grealish were also playing against Ireland for the first time since switching allegiances from Ireland to England. Ironically, both men were on the scoresheet as England won 0-2. In his second game in charge Ireland hosted the ever improving Greece and were once again beaten on a scoreline of 0-2, concluding a disappointing first international break for the new manager.

His third match in charge resulted in his first victory as Republic of Ireland boss. Ireland travel to Helsinki to take on Finland. Ireland went 1-0 down after 17 minutes but fought back with goals from Liam Scales in the 57th minute and Robbie Brady in the 88th minute to win the game 1-2 and give Halgrimsson a much needed win. Ireland would follow this up with yet another 2-0 defeat to Greece this time away from home. As of writing, they are yet to play their final 2 Nations League games against Finland and England. They will fancy their chances of beating Finland once again but will find it very difficult versus England.

Ireland’s Changing of the Guard

There has certainly been a changing of the guard in the Republic of Ireland national team over the last few years, with a host of new players entering the international setup and replacing older players who have gone before them. Evan Ferguson has broken through at Premier League side Brighton and has been unlucky with injuries, but is definitely one that can reach the top level. Jake O’Brien, Troy Parrott and Festy Ebosele have all impressed for European clubs with O’Brien’s performances for Lyon last season earning him a move to Premier League side Everton.

Caoimhin Kelleher is shining for Liverpool at the moment between the sticks as he fills in for the injured Alisson, showing once again what a top class goalkeeper he is. Ireland have a batch of young players to keep an eye on coming through such as, Tyler Goodrham, Aidomo Emakhu, Rocco Vata, Armstrong Okoflex and Ike Orazi all with the potential to become regulars for Ireland in the future.

Ireland are certainly in a transition period, but they do have the potential in their squad and coming through the ranks to start aiming for higher in the FIFA rankings. It will be difficult but they must target qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and they will find out their qualification group when the draw is made in Zurich on the 13th December.

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