Ireland to play Israel after majority of squad backs Nations League fixtures
The Football Association of Ireland confirmed on September 26, 2026 that the Israel fixtures would proceed after consultation with players, a majority of whom supported playing.
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- The Football Association of Ireland confirmed on September 26, 2026 that the Israel fixtures would proceed after consultation with players, a majority of whom supported playing.
The Republic of Ireland will fulfil its Nations League fixtures against Israel after a majority of its players supported going ahead, the Football Association of Ireland said on September 26, 2026, according to The Guardian.
The confirmation followed delays to a scheduled press conference and training session in Debrecen, Hungary, where the teams are due to meet on September 27. The Guardian reported that players voted on whether the fixtures should proceed.
In a statement reproduced by the newspaper, the FAI said the squad had expressed differing views during consultation. It said it respected those views and acknowledged the sensitivity of the matches. The statement did not give a vote count.
The decision resolves the immediate uncertainty over whether Ireland would play the first fixture. It also makes clear that support within the squad was not unanimous.
The FAI’s previously published venue announcement confirms that the September 27 match is at Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen. The return fixture on October 4, 2026 is scheduled for Bačka Topola, Serbia, at a neutral venue and behind closed doors.
