Ireland will play Israel return as planned, says Hallgrimsson
Republic of Ireland will play Israel again as planned, head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed.
Speaking on 30 September, Hallgrimsson said Ireland will fulfil the second UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel. He said he was not aware of any squad meeting to decide whether to play. The Football Association of Ireland, he said, had told the team they are playing both games, according to BBC Sport.
That settles the immediate question. UEFA lists the return, Ireland v Israel, for Monday 5 October in the 2026/27 Nations League league phase UEFA. The Nations League is Europe's biennial competition for national teams, played in groups before a finals stage.
The first meeting ended Israel 0-3 Republic of Ireland on 27 September in Hungary. It went ahead after Ireland's players voted to fulfil the fixture. FAI chief executive David Courell said that vote passed by a significant majority.
Ireland had been warned of the cost of refusing to play. The team could have faced "undetermined" sanctions if they had not fulfilled the first Israel tie, a reminder of why the vote mattered beyond the dressing room.
On the night, Ireland's players made a silent protest. They did not take part in the usual pre-match formalities, wore black armbands and bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem.
One change is forced. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for both Israel games. Hallgrimsson confirmed Josh Keeley will take his place in the squad for the second match.
Ireland came into the week after a mixed start to the extended international window. They lost 1-0 to Kosovo on 24 September, then answered with the 3-0 win over Israel three days later. This season's league phase is being staged in a prolonged block from 24 September to 6 October, during which teams generally play four matches.
For supporters, this means attention can turn back to the pitch. Ireland have three points from the Israel win. Another result on 5 October would strengthen their place in the group and keep the momentum from Hungary alive.
