Ireland start their FIFA World Cup 26 qualifying campaign against Hungary at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow Saturday, September 6th at 7.45pm.
Ireland go into the game full of confidence against the Hungarians who last visited the Aviva Stadium in 2024. Where, Ireland ran out 2-1 winners thanks to a last-minute Troy Parrott goal in the international friendly.
In, Liam Scales has recovered from a knock sustained for Celtic last weekend to be in contention for tomorrow’s match. All other 22 players in the squad are fit for the qualifier.
Ireland have won three of their last five games against Hungary, having won none of their first eight against them.
"The energy is coming” said Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson. “I think more and more leaders are emerging, and I think that has been down to consistent messages to the players.
Hallgrímsson seeing Ireland grow
"Once you know what is expected, you become a better leader, so I think that is why people are feeling more secure”.
“I feel there are more and more players now who are kind of growing, and that brings energy, leadership and confidence”.
“The quality in this team is big, it’s bigger than when I had Iceland, and we achieved what we did. There is more individual quality in this team. The team building thing is what gives me confidence."
“I think there's been spells and times where we look like a really good team, but it's not just fully clicked for us” said Ireland Captain Nathan Collins.
Hungary arrive in Dublin, having lost their last two away visits to Ireland, losing in 1989 and 2024. Their last win in Ireland was in a World Cup qualifier in June 1969.
However, Hungary haven’t lost any of their last 11 qualifying matches for major tournaments (EURO/World Cup). Winning seven and drawing four since a 1-0 defeat to Albania in October 2021.
Republic of Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool), 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), Adam Idah (Celtic), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Johnny Kenny (Celtic).
Republic of Ireland v Hungary
Aviva Stadium
Saturday, September 6th, Kick-off: 7.45pm
Referee: Harm Osmers (GER)
