Hallgrímsson Discusses Player Selection After Ireland Draws Israel in Nations League
The FAI has confirmed that the Republic of Ireland will participate in two fixtures against Israel in the UEFA Nations League. Under the management of Heimir Hallgrímsson, the team is set to compete in Group B3, facing Israel, Austria, and Kosovo from September 24 to November 17, 2025.
Player Selection Insights from Heimir Hallgrímsson
Following the recent draw in Brussels, Hallgrímsson discussed player selection and addressed potential issues surrounding the upcoming matches. Despite a previous motion submitted by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to UEFA, calling for the suspension of the Israel FA due to alleged violations of UEFA statutes, the Irish national team is committed to competing.
FAI’s Motion to UEFA
- In November 2025, the FAI proposed a motion to UEFA to suspend the Israel FA.
- The motion passed with a vote of 74-7.
- Concerns were raised about Israeli clubs operating in territories disputed by the Palestinian Football Association.
While Hallgrímsson stood firm on focusing on football, he acknowledged the ongoing complexities surrounding the team’s fixtures with Israel. He understands the diversity of opinions among players regarding engagement in these matches.
Upcoming Fixtures and Group Dynamics
The Nations League schedule, with exact match dates and venues, is expected to be announced shortly. In the current rankings, Ireland holds the 59th spot, Israel is 77th, and Kosovo is 79th. Austria, the fourth competitor in Group B3, sits at 24th, having already secured a place in the upcoming World Cup.
Hallgrímsson expressed confidence in his squad, recognizing the challenges ahead. He noted Kosovo’s impressive record, with only two losses and two draws in their last 15 games.
Anticipating Challenges
Regarding player participation, Hallgrímsson remarked, “It’s obviously every player’s decision to play for the national team or not.” This reflects the broader sentiment of navigating sporting duties alongside personal beliefs regarding the context of the matches.
With the upcoming games signaling a critical moment for the Republic of Ireland, Hallgrímsson and his team are focused on preparation, aiming to perform at their best despite the surrounding controversies.
As the Nation League progresses, Ireland will face not only strategic challenges on the pitch but also the need to foster team unity among diverse perspectives among players.
