Republic of Ireland begin Nations League campaign with Euro 2028 stakes high

Republic of Ireland return to competitive action on Thursday when they face Kosovo in Pristina, beginning a demanding Nations League campaign that will see Heimir Hallgrimsson's side play four matches in 12 days.

Republic of Ireland players preparing for their Nations League campaign

A first competitive test since Prague

The match in Kosovo is Ireland's first competitive fixture since their penalty shootout defeat by the Czech Republic in March ended their hopes of reaching the summer's World Cup. Since then, Ireland have beaten Grenada and Qatar and drawn with North Macedonia and Canada in four friendlies.

Hallgrimsson has selected a 26-man squad for the extended international window, with Kosovo followed by two matches against Israel and a meeting with Austria. The manager is expected to rotate heavily in order to manage the schedule and develop much-needed depth, particularly at full-back and in midfield.

Injuries force changes to the squad

Captain Nathan Collins is unavailable with a calf injury, removing the defender who has been Hallgrimsson's first choice to marshal the back three when fit. Jack Taylor and Mikey Johnston are also absent, alongside long-term absentees Evan Ferguson and Josh Cullen. Oisin McEntee missed out on a potential first call-up because of injury.

Jimmy Dunne, Bosun Lawal and Owen Elding are among those carrying injuries or working back towards full fitness. Harvey Vale and Jamie McGrath were injured in the warm-up before their clubs' matches on Saturday and did not feature.

With Seamus Coleman and Robbie Brady not considered because they are without clubs, Sheffield United loanee Liam Kitching has received his first call-up. Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan and Hibernian player Elding could make their international debuts.

Parrott arrives in form

Troy Parrott is one of Ireland's biggest sources of optimism. The striker has made an excellent start to life with Real Betis, scoring the winner against Real Madrid after coming off the bench before netting on his Champions League debut in a 3-2 win away to Lille. He also supplied an assist against Getafe.

John Egan is another player in strong form, having been a regular during Hull City's positive return to the Premier League. Adam Idah has scored three goals and provided an assist in eight Championship appearances for Swansea City.

Nations League results could shape Euro 2028 path

The campaign has consequences beyond promotion and relegation. Finishing first or second in the group would put Ireland in pot two for the Euro 2028 qualifying draw in Belfast in December, potentially giving them a more favourable route. A third- or fourth-place finish would leave them in pot three and could expose them to two major European opponents.

Top spot would secure promotion to League A, while second place would bring a promotion play-off against a third-placed League A team. Ireland would remain in League B if they finish third, while bottom place could lead to a relegation play-off against a League C runner-up.

The Nations League may also offer a safety net. The best-performing teams that fail to qualify for Euro 2028 automatically will enter play-offs for the remaining places.

“Our seeding for the Euros depends on the Nations League,” Hallgrimsson said. He added that League A would mean “better opponents” and be financially beneficial for the Football Association of Ireland, while the competition also provides “an escape route to the Euros”.

Unsettled opponents await

Ireland's opening opponents, Kosovo, have endured a turbulent build-up. Captain Amir Rrahmani has stepped away from international football after a dispute with the Football Federation of Kosovo, accusing the organisation of “constant, co-ordinated attacks” against him. The Napoli defender had won 66 caps over a decade with Kosovo.

Kosovo have nevertheless added promising Bayern Munich youngster Erblin Osmani, who chose to represent the country earlier this month. Osmani became Bayern's second-youngest Bundesliga player when he appeared at the age of 16 years and 306 days.

The two matches against Israel will be played at neutral venues: Israel's nominal home fixture in Hungary on 27 September and the return match in Serbia on 4 October. The Football Association of Ireland has said its home game will take place behind closed doors, with no tickets available to Irish supporters. The fixtures have already been a source of protest, including disruptions during Ireland's friendly win over Qatar in Dublin in April.