Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

19 March 2026; Republic of Ireland men's head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson with FAI chief executive officer David Courell, left, and FAI director of football John Martin, right, at the announcement of Heimir Hallgrimsson signing a new contract as Republic of

Hallgrimsson says FAI 'pressure' led to new contract

Heimir Hallgrimsson has signed a new contract to remain as Republic of Ireland boss until the end of the Euro 2028 qualification cycle.

Soccer • 19 Mar

19 March 2026; Republic of Ireland men's head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson at the announcement of Heimir Hallgrimsson signing a new contract as Republic of Ireland Head Coach, securing his future with the Association until end of the EURO 2028 campaign. Phot

Hallgrimsson names Ireland squad for World Cup play-off

Heimir Hallgrimsson has called Harvey Vale into the Republic of Ireland squad for next Thursday's FIFA World Cup play-off semi-final against Czechia, while Alan Browne and Sammie Szmodics have been recalled.

Soccer • 19 Mar

Iran players stand for their national anthem before the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers group A third round match between Qatar and Iran at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on June 5, 2025 (Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Im

FIFA pour cold water on moving Iran games to Mexico

FIFA appears to have ruled out the possibility of Iran moving their World Cup matches to Mexico, saying it is "looking forward" to teams competing in line with the original match schedule.

Soccer • 17 Mar

Iran's players pose for a team picture ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia zone qualifiers group A football match between Iran and the North Korea at the Azadi Sports Complex in Tehran on June 10, 2025. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

AFC has received no notification from Iran on World Cup

The Asian Football Confederation has said that it has not received any notification from Iran that it will withdraw its ⁠national soccer team from the World Cup.

Soccer • 16 Mar

U.S. President Donald Trump receives the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. The 2026 FIFA World Cup

Iran should not take part in the World Cup, says Trump

United States president Donald Trump says it would not be appropriate for Iran's squad to be at this summer's World Cup "for their own life and safety".

Soccer • 12 Mar

Iranian fans are waving a giant flag while Iran's national soccer team players are standing together before the beginning of the FIFA World Cup 26 AFC qualifying round two group E soccer match against Uzbekistan, at the Azadi (freedom) stadium in Tehran,

Iran won't play at the World Cup, says sports minister

Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali has said that the country will not take part in this summer's World Cup, due to the joint United States-Israeli attacks, which killed the country's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Soccer • 11 Mar

With the World Cup only months away, questions are still being raised on how it will be run

FIFA says World Cup 'too big' to be postponed by Iran war

FIFA Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi had said the World Cup is "too big" and that the 2026 tournament will go on as planned despite ongoing conflict in the Middle ⁠East.

Soccer • 10 Mar

OXFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Mikey Johnston of West Bromwich Albion is treated on the pitch for injury before he is substituted during the Sky Bet Championship match between Oxford United and West Bromwich Albion at Kassam Stadium on February 28, 2026 i

Ankle injury rules Johnston out of World Cup play-off

Mikey Johnston has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off with Czech Republic due to a stress fracture to his ankle.

Soccer • 04 Mar

Iran cast doubt on taking up World Cup place

Iran's football chief Mehdi Taj said US and Israeli attacks on the country did not augur well for this ⁠year's World Cup in North America and senior government officials would evaluate the situation before deciding if any action should be taken.

Soccer • 02 Mar

There are big security concerns in the US ahead of the World Cup

US officials warn of major World Cup security concerns

Representatives from US cities hosting the World Cup this summer testified before a congressional committee on Tuesday, laying out their concerns over potentially "catastrophic" problems with security as the event nears.

Soccer • 25 Feb

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 21: Dick Advocaat manager / head coach of Curacao during the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B match between Curacao and Canada at Shell Energy Stadium on June 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Advocaat steps down from Curacao job ahead of World Cup

Dick Advocaat has stood down as manager of Curacao ahead of the World Cup in order to focus on his daughter's health issues.

Soccer • 23 Feb

16 November 2025; Republic of Ireland supporters before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F Qualifier match between Hungary and Republic of Ireland at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

More than 6,000 Ireland fans apply for play-off tickets

More than 6,000 Republic of Ireland supporters have applied for tickets for the World Cup play-off semi-final with Czech Republic in Prague.

Soccer • 04 Feb

Australia's Harry Wilson hangs up shirts bearing the dates of fixtures during the release of the official match schedule for the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027

World Rugby defend mismatched World Cup opener

World Rugby has defended launching the 2027 World Cup with Australia playing Hong Kong, with the opener looming as a major mismatch between the host nation and the Asian debutants.

Rugby • 03 Feb

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reacts during a reception with business leaders on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 20

Infantino aims playful dig at British football fans

FIFA president Gianni Infantino made a joke about British football fans' behaviour and defended ticket prices for this summer's World Cup in North America during a speech to world leaders on Thursday.

Soccer • 22 Jan

Argentina captain Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup in 2022. Next year's winner will receive

Record-breaking World Cup prize fund up 50% from Qatar

FIFA has confirmed a record-breaking $727m (€620m) prize money fund for next year's World Cup, up 50% from the last finals in Qatar.

Soccer • 17 Dec 25

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 3: FIFA President Gianni Infantino on a visit to the Kennedy center ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw on December 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

FIFA urged to halt World Cup ticket sales over prices

FIFA has been urged to halt World Cup ticket sales after it emerged countries' most loyal fans faced paying "extortionate" prices for tickets, with the cheapest for the final coming in at over €3,500.

Soccer • 11 Dec 25

In this photo illustration, iPhone screens display various social media apps on the screens

Fan group criticises US social media screening proposal

A plan to require supporters travelling to the United States for the World Cup to disclose information about their social media accounts has been described as "profoundly unacceptable".

Soccer • 11 Dec 25

Heimir Hallgrímsson, Head Coach of Republic of Ireland reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Hallgrimsson happy with 'beatable' World Cup group

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson believes that his side could progress from the World Cup group they were drawn in, should they qualify for the tournament.

Soccer • 05 Dec 25

Ireland may face Mexico, South Africa and South Korea

The Republic of Ireland will face co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and South Korea if they qualify via the play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

World Cup • 05 Dec 25

FIFA 2026 World Cup draw as it happened

The draw for next summer's World Cup took place in Washington DC and with the Republic of Ireland still hoping to be at the tournament, they now know who they will play if they can qualify. Here's how it happened.

Soccer • 05 Dec 25

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 03: The official balls for the draw are seen on stage at the Kennedy Center ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw on December 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

FIFA World Cup draw: All you need to know

The draw for the World Cup will be held at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday at 5pm. Here is all you need to know.

Soccer • 05 Dec 25

13 November 2025; Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts after being send off during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Portugal at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Ronaldo available for World Cup opener despite red card

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be available for the start of Portugal's World Cup campaign despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland.

Soccer • 25 Nov 25

World Cup pushes Premier League start back next season

The dates have been confirmed for the 2026-27 Premier League season, which will kick off on 22 August next year.

Soccer • 21 Nov 25

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Sweden former player Martin Dahlin shows the paper slip of Ireland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-Off Tournament draw at the FIFA's Home of Football in Zurich, Switzerland on November 20, 2025. (Photo by Mustafa Yal

Ireland to face Czech Republic with home final possible

Republic of Ireland will take on Czech Republic in the FIFA World Cup play-off semi-finals, with Denmark or North Macedonia awaiting in the final, which would be in Dublin if the Boys in Green progress..

Soccer • 21 Nov 25

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 03: Rafael van der Vaart draws out Republic of Ireland during the UEFA Nations League Draw at Beur van Berlage on March 03, 2020 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Lukas Schulze - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

All you need to know: Ireland's World Cup play-off draw

The draw for the World Cup play-off is on today at 12pm in Switzerland. Here is all you need to know.

Soccer • 20 Nov 25