Republic of Ireland Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson has named a 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying matches against Hungary and Armenia.
Ireland are set to welcome Hungary to the Aviva Stadium for the opening game of the campaign on Saturday, September 6th (7:45 pm KO). Tickets for the fixture are selling fast and are expected to sell out shortly, as anticipation builds for the start of the journey to the USA, Canada and Mexico. Following the home fixture, Ireland will travel to Yerevan to face Armenia on Tuesday, September 9th (5 pm KO, 8 pm local).
Galway native and Southampton defender Ryan Manning is included among the 8 defenders named, with the squad significantly boosted by the return of two key players from injury. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has recovered from last season's knee injury, while Chiedozie Ogbene also returns for the first time since October 2024 following his recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture. The squad also features strikers Troy Parrott and Evan Ferguson, who both arrive in camp full of confidence. Parrott's form has been exceptional, with 10 goals, including scoring in seven consecutive matches, a new record for AZ Alkmaar, while Ferguson made a fantastic start to his loan spell, earning a Man of the Match award on his Serie A debut for AS Roma in their 1-0 win over Bologna. In defence, there is a call-up for Stoke City’s Bosun Lawal, who has impressed for the early Championship leaders, alongside Queens Park Rangers defender Jimmy Dunne, who earned his first cap in March. In midfield, Burnley captain Josh Cullen returns to the squad after he was rested for the summer friendlies, having scored in a 2-0 win over Sunderland at the weekend, and is joined by Jason Knight, Killian Phillips and Jack Taylor.
Republic of Ireland Squad - Hungary & Armenia
Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton).
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Bosun Lawal (Stoke City), Liam Scales (Celtic), Ryan Manning (Southampton).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Killian Phillips (St. Mirren).
Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Celtic), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).
Fixtures - FIFA World Cup 26 Qualifying
06/09 - Rep of Ireland v Hungary, Aviva Stadium, 7.45 pm
09/09 - Armenia v Rep of Ireland, Republican Stadium, 5 pm (8 pm local)
