Get ready, football fans! It’s official: the Republic of Ireland is gearing up for their opening fixtures in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has revealed his 23-man squad, and it’s a mix of old faces and exciting additions.

Coleman Missing, Ogbene and Bazunu Return

Sadly, there’s no place for Everton captain Seamus Coleman in this squad. As explained by Hallgrimsson, “While Seamus is extremely important to the squad, we’ve decided to give opportunities to other players… his experience will be invaluable when he returns.”

But there’s plenty of good news. Ipswich Town winger Chiedozie Ogbene is back in contention after recovering from an Achilles injury. Gavin Bazunu, Southampton’s talented goalkeeper, also makes a comeback after missing the June window due to injury.

Key New Faces and Injury Updates

St Mirren’s Killian Phillips, who earned his first cap in the June friendly against Senegal, gets the nod once again. Uncapped Stoke player Bosun Lawal is also included, adding depth and excitement to the side.

However, Will Smallbone, Southampton midfielder and Saints teammate of Bazunu, misses out due to a calf issue.

Opening Fixtures and Group Stage Details

The Boys in Green kick off their campaign against Hungary at the Aviva Stadium on September 6, followed by a trip to face Armenia on September 9. Ireland is drawn in a pool with Hungary, Armenia, and group favorites Portugal.

All qualifier matches will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, so mark your calendars!

Republic of Ireland Squad

**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)

Did you know?

Hallgrimsson has hinted that Coleman’s exclusion could be an opportunity for others to stake a claim:

“We want to see how players react to this opportunity, and I believe they’re ready to grasp it.”
– Heimir Hallgrimsson

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