Coleman Leads Ireland Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson has announced a 25-man squad for the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Portugal and Hungary. The matches are set to take place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on November 13, 2025, and in Budapest on November 16, 2025.

Among the notable inclusions is defender Kevin O’Toole, who has received his first senior international call-up. The New Jersey-born player, who qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather, has recently secured international clearance to represent the national team. O’Toole has a deep-rooted connection to Irish football, with his sister, Jillian O’Toole, currently playing for Treaty United in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division.

The squad also sees the return of Andrew Moran, who rejoins the lineup after a successful loan spell at LAFC. Meanwhile, team captain Seamus Coleman, a native of Killybegs, aims to earn his 76th cap in this crucial window.

Challenges lie ahead as the squad will be without Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning, both suspended for the opening match against Portugal. To accommodate this situation, Hallgrímsson has opted for an extended squad, bolstering their options as they pursue a playoff spot.

Ireland enters this final window of qualifiers with a strong chance of securing a place in the playoffs, which are scheduled for March 2026. The team’s performance against Portugal and Hungary will be pivotal in determining their fate in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

The match against Portugal at the Aviva Stadium is expected to be a high-stakes encounter, with fans hopeful for a positive outcome as the team strives to qualify for their first World Cup since 2002. Following this, the away game in Hungary will further test the squad’s resilience and tactical adaptability.

As excitement builds, Irish supporters eagerly anticipate these matches, which promise to deliver intense competition and the opportunity to see new talent emerge on the international stage.