Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

4 June 2005; Kevin Kilbane, Republic of Ireland, in action against Saban Klemi, Israel. FIFA 2006 World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland v Israel, Lansdowne Road, Dublin. Picture credit; Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE

Ireland to face Israel in upcoming Nations League

The Republic of Ireland will play Israel in 2026-2027 UEFA Nations League as well as matches with Austria and Kosovo.

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, right, and Republic of Ireland staff before the UEFA Nations League B/C Play-off 2nd Leg match between Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nations League draw: All you need to know

The draw for the 2026-27 Nations League takes place in Brussels on Thursday. Here, we take a look at how things could work out for the Republic of Ireland, and what impact the country's status as co-hosts for Euro 2028 has on proceedings.

Soccer • 11 Feb

30 May 2025; Katie McCabe of Republic of Ireland warms up before the UEFA Women's Nations League, League B match between Türkiye and Republic of Ireland at Esenler Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Ireland to face Belgium in Nations League play-off

The Republic of Ireland will play Belgium in their UEFA Women's Nations League promotion/relegation play-off.

Soccer • 06 Jun 25

Evan Ferguson hits the back of the net to restore parity against Bulgaria

'Educated risk' as Ferguson goal maintains momentum

The gamble paid off for Heimir Hallgrimsson, with Evan Ferguson delivering on his return to the starting line-up as Ireland came from behind to beat Bulgaria 2-1 for the second time in three days.

Soccer • 24 Mar 25

Nations League wrap: Scotland stunned by Greece

Scotland missed the chance to play in Group A of the Nations League next season after visitors Greece breezed past them 3-0 in their play-off second leg on Sunday for an aggregate 3-1 win.

Soccer • 23 Mar 25

Nations League recap: Republic of Ireland 2-1 Bulgaria

Live updates from tonight's Nations League promotion/relegation playoff tie between Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria at the Aviva Stadium

Soccer • 24 Mar 25

Heimir Hallgrimsson believes that the group of Ireland players are becoming a team

Hallgrimsson seeing signs of a collective connection

Heimir Hallgrimsson is optimistic that Ireland's win over Bulgaria in Plovdiv proves pivotal for the national team, who are planning to launch a successful World Cup qualifying campaign later this year.

Soccer • 23 Mar 25

Matt Doherty celebrates his goal in Plovdiv with Mikey Johnston and Troy Parrott

Hallgrimsson sowing seeds for World Cup qualification

If Thursday night's impressive victory in Plovdiv whetted the appetite, there is a sense that tonight's clash with Bulgaria can kick-start Heimir Hallgrimsson's quest to qualify for the World Cup.

Soccer • 23 Mar 25

Heimir Hallgrimsson changed his immediate post-match opinion after watching the game back

Hallgrimsson clarifies 'emotional' post-match comments

Heimir Hallgrimsson admitted that his post-match comments regarding his players being too passive may have been a touch harsh having had a chance to re-watch the 2-1 victory over Bulgaria.

Soccer • 22 Mar 25

Heimir Hallgrimsson salutes the travelling fans following the victory in Plovdiv

Character-building performance from Ireland in Plovdiv

Ireland were caught cold in Plovdiv, but eventually warmed up to beat Bulgaria and take an advantage into the second leg in Dublin on Sunday.

Soccer • 21 Mar 25

It was a game of two halves for the Ireland head coach

Hallgrimsson satisfied with first half but demands more

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson was delighted with Ireland's first 45 minutes against Bulgaria, but bemoaned his side's passive approach after the break in Plovdin.

Soccer • 21 Mar 25

Troy Parrott (L) congratulates Finn Azaz on his goal

Player ratings: Azaz catches the eye in Plovdiv victory

It was a satisfying night at the office for the Republic of Ireland who came away from Plovdiv with a 2-1 win against Bulgaria in the first leg of their Nations League promotion/relegation play-off. Here's how we rated the players.

Soccer • 20 Mar 25

Recap: Bulgaria 1-2 Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland secured a one-goal advantage to bring to the Aviva Stadium for Sunday's UEFA Nations Leauge promotion/relegation play-off second leg. Read how the first leg unfolded here.

Soccer • 20 Mar 25

Troy Parrott, seen arriving at the stadium earlier this evening, has been handed a start

In-form Parrott starts in attacking Ireland formation

Troy Parrott has been handed the opportunity to stake his claim to lead the line for the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign as the young Dubliner has been named to start up front against Bulgaria.

Soccer • 20 Mar 25

Heimir Hallgrimsson chats with Rocco Vata while training at the Hristo Botev Stadium

Hallgrimsson eyeing form players to boost confidence

Heimir Hallgrimsson appeared cautiously confident as he spoke to the media at the Hristo Botev Stadium on the eve of Ireland's Nations League play-off with Bulgaria.

Soccer • 19 Mar 25

Ilian Iliev (L) at Bulgaria's training session in Hristo Botev Stadium today

'No worries, we're happy' insists Bulgaria coach Iliev

Bulgaria head coach Ilian Iliev insists there are "no problems" as his side prepare to face the Republic of Ireland against the backdrop of discontent over his position.

Soccer • 19 Mar 25

Heimir Hallgrimsson and Nathan Collins spoke to the media ahead of the game

Relegation on mind as Ireland set for Bulgaria battle

Heimir Hallgrimsson is expecting a tough, tactical battle with Bulgaria as the two sides go head-to-head in Plovdiv tomorrow night.

Soccer • 19 Mar 25

The Boys in Green are targeting a positive result against Bulgaria to kick-start a big year

Ireland and the Nations League - a trying relationship

A fall into League C of the Nations League would herald more gloom for the Republic of Ireland and be a further blow to our shaky self-esteem as we head into a World Cup qualification year, writes Conor Neville.

Soccer • 19 Mar 25

Sinclair Armstrong is back in the Republic of Ireland squad

Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland: All you need to know

The Republic of Ireland will play two matches against Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League in the bid to stay in League B. Get details on live coverage, team news and the battle to avoid relegation here.

Soccer • 19 Mar 25

Matt Doherty and John O'Shea at Monday's press conference

Doherty stands by comments but all good in Ireland camp

Matt Doherty has let his football do the talking in recent months, resulting in an extended run in the Wolves team, while securing a recall into the Ireland squad for this week's double-header against Bulgaria.

Soccer • 17 Mar 25

Rocco Vata has impressed with the Under-21s and his club Watford

Vata and Abankwah receive Republic of Ireland call-ups

Rocco Vata and James Abankwah have been called up for the Republic of Ireland's UEFA Nations League matches with Bulgaria next week.

Soccer • 13 Mar 25

Troy Parrott's only start in the Nations League group campaign came as part of a front two alongside Evan Ferguson in Greece

Treacy: Parrott should be top of the tree for Bulgaria

Troy Parrott should be the primary candidate to lead the line for the Republic of Ireland against Bulgaria next week, according to Keith Treacy.

Soccer • 11 Mar 25

Bellamy: 'I probably feel it was important to show people I am not a lunatic, I'm quite sane'

Bellamy: Important to show people I'm not a lunatic

Craig Bellamy guided Wales to Nations League promotion and then insisted it had been vital to prove that he was not a "lunatic".

Soccer • 20 Nov 24

Craig Bellamy celebrates with Neco Williams

Nations League wrap: Wales seal promotion to League A

Wales won Nations League promotion as Liam Cullen's first two international goals helped them to a 4-1 victory over Iceland.

Soccer • 19 Nov 24

Festy Ebosele's running with the ball was one of the few positives Ireland showed when in possession

Lost in transition – Ireland must improve in possession

Heimir Hallgrimsson does not anticipate major changes to his style or philosophy when international football resumes in the new year.

Soccer • 19 Nov 24