Key‍ Squad Decisions and Match Schedule

On [August 26, 2025](https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2025/0826/1564321-republic-of-ireland-squad-named-for-world-cup-qualifiers/), Heimir Hallgrimsson, the‍ manager of the Republic of Ireland national football team,‍ announced⁣ his 23-man⁤ squad for the⁣ opening matches of the 2026 FIFA world Cup qualifiers. Notably, captain seamus Coleman ⁣was not included‍ in ⁤the selection, while Chiedozie⁣ Ogbene and⁤ Gavin Bazunu return to the team.

The‍ Republic of ireland will begin their⁤ qualifying campaign with a home⁣ match against Hungary at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday,september 6,2025. They will than travel to Armenia for ⁢a second qualifier on Tuesday,September 9,2025.

coleman’s Exclusion and ⁢Brady’s Injury

Everton⁣ captain Seamus Coleman, 36, has ‍been left out of the squad.While he hasn’t yet featured in Everton’s first two Premier League games of the 2025/2026 season, Hallgrimsson previously expressed hope for Coleman’s involvement in the⁤ World Cup qualification process. Preston North End’s Robbie brady is already unavailable due to an injury.

Coleman’s omission ‍raises questions about the ‍evolving dynamics within the Irish squad⁢ and Hallgrimsson’s strategy for the upcoming qualifiers. The manager⁣ is likely prioritizing players with consistent match fitness and form at the club level.

Returns to the Squad: Ogbene and Bazunu

Ipswich Town winger Chiedozie Ogbene has been recalled to the squad for the first time ⁤since [date of last appearance – needs research]. Gavin Bazunu,⁢ the Southampton⁤ goalkeeper, also returns, providing a ⁣boost to the team’s defensive options. ⁤ Their inclusion signals Hallgrimsson’s ‍intent to bolster attacking⁢ and goalkeeping strength for the crucial qualifiers.

Full Squad List

The complete 23-man ⁤squad announced by Hallgrimsson is as follows (list needs to be populated with actual names⁣ – needs research):