Ireland face Israel after vote to play as Denmark sink Wales
The Republic of Ireland will play Israel in the Nations League on 27 September 2026 after a significant majority of players voted to go ahead.
The decision ended a day of intrigue over whether the game would be played at all. Ireland’s players held the vote and chose to fulfil the fixture, according to matchday live coverage The Guardian.
The Nations League is UEFA’s international tournament, played in between World Cups and European Championships. This tie was one of three in the spotlight that night, alongside Norway v Portugal and Germany v Greece The Guardian.
The build-up had been difficult. Ireland’s football association said its request to avoid future pairings with Israel was rejected, and UEFA defended its draw policy Reuters. After the Irish vote to play, Israel said football and politics must stay separate Reuters.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu will play no part. He withdrew from both of Ireland’s Nations League fixtures against Israel ESPN.
Bazunu explained the call on Instagram. He said it would be wrong for him to take part, citing his faith, character and principle. He said the decision was based purely on his personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong. He added that his stance was not in opposition to the Israeli people or the Jewish community, but against atrocities in the region.
Elsewhere, the night brought two heavyweight ties. UEFA’s official fixture list had Norway v Portugal and Germany v Greece in the league phase UEFA, with Germany v Greece listed as a 7.45pm kick-off. Portugal and an Erling Haaland-inspired Norway both arrived after winning starts in League A.
There was already a result in the books. Denmark beat Wales 2-0 in Copenhagen. A Ben Davies own goal broke the deadlock. Gustav Isaksen added the second.
Wales paid a high price. They had lost their Group A4 opener 1-0 to Portugal. That left them bottom of the group with zero points and zero goals scored after Denmark.
For fans, this means a strange night. One game carried questions far bigger than football. The others offered the simple pull of top players meeting under the lights.
