Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

6 September 2025; Republic of Ireland supporters hold up a banner before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Republic of Ireland and Hungary at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

FAI set for Israel vote, FIFA say UEFA must decide

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) are set to vote on Israel's participation in international football at the upcoming AGM.

Soccer • 01 Oct

Donald Trump with FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the Oval Office

Trump: 'Unsafe' cities may lose World Cup games

US President Donald Trump said he would consider relocating 2026 World Cup matches from cities he did not deem safe, months before the United States is set to co-host the showcase tournament with Canada and Mexico.

Soccer • 26 Sep

Lack of a killer instinct and small errors cost Ireland

Ireland came agonisingly close to advancing to a World Cup semi-final after losing to France in Exeter. Jonny Holland takes a look back on just where things went wrong for Scott Bemand's side.

Rugby • 16 Sep

'Variable pricing' for World Cup tickets criticised

FIFA has been accused of not caring about fans and "living in a parallel universe" over its controversial ticket pricing policy for next year's World Cup.

Soccer • 11 Sep

6 September 2025; Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher makes a save from Roland Sallai of Hungary during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Republic of Ireland and Hungary at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fi

Kelleher eager to move on after game of two halves

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher expressed a mix of emotions after being awarded the player of the match accolade in the 2-2 draw against Hungary at Aviva Stadium.

Soccer • 06 Sep

Cristiano Ronaldo on the mark against Armenia

Ronaldo brace steers Portugal to easy win over Armenia

Cristiano Ronaldo took his international goal tally to 140 in 222 appearances with two as Portugal opened their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 5-0 hammering of Armenia in Group F.

Soccer • 06 Sep

6 September 2025; Adam Idah of Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Republic of Ireland and Hungary at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sp

Recap: Republic of Ireland 2-2 Hungary

All the action, as it happened, from the Republic of Ireland's dramatic 2-2 draw against Hungary in their opening World Cup qualifier at Aviva Stadium.

Soccer • 06 Sep

Nathan Collins is desperate to see Ireland get to a World Cup

Collins daring to dream of World Cup qualification

Republic of Ireland defender Nathan Collins admits he's desperate to help Ireland secure a place at the World Cup as they begin their qualifying campaign tonight.

Soccer • 06 Sep

LUXEMBOURG, LUXEMBOURG - SEPTEMBER 04: Justin Devenny of Northern Ireland celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammates during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Luxembourg and Northern Ireland at Stade de Luxembourg on September 04

Northern Ireland make winning start in Luxembourg

Justin Devenny and Shea Charles scored their first international goals as Northern Ireland opened their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win in Luxembourg.

Soccer • 04 Sep

Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary in action against Matt Doherty of Republic of Ireland during the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Hungary at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

The opposition view: Stop Szoboszlai to halt Hungary?

Hungarian football journalist Bence Bocsak speaks to Raf Diallo about what the Republic of Ireland can expect from the Magyars and their talismanic captain in Saturday's opening World Cup qualifier.

Soccer • 03 Sep

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 25: Teboho Mokoena #4 of Mamelodi Sundowns FC looks ahead during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group F match between Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Fluminense FC at Hard Rock Stadium on June 25, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Phot

FIFA remain silent on sanction for errant South Africa

FIFA's reticence to dock World Cup points from South Africa for using a defaulter in a March fixture is casting a cloud and creating confusion ahead of this week's potentially decisive round of African qualifiers.

Soccer • 02 Sep

Saudi Arabai will host the World Cup in nine years' time

Saudi Arabia 'ready' to host 64-team World Cup in 2034

Saudi Arabia would be ready and willing to host a 64-team World Cup in 2034 if FIFA accepts a controversial proposal to expand the tournament from 48, according to the kingdom's sports minister.

Soccer • 20 Apr

Ireland beaten in opening match of World Cup qualifying

Ireland suffered a 38-run defeat at the hands of Pakistan in the opening match of their Women's Cricket World Cup qualifying campaign in Lahore.

Cricket • 09 Apr

Matt Doherty is dreaming of a World Cup with Ireland

Doherty dreaming of a World Cup with Ireland

Matt Doherty is dreaming of a trip to the World Cup finals with the Republic of Ireland after completing a half-century of senior caps.

Soccer • 24 Mar

John O'Shea and Heimir Hallgrimsson after the 2-1 win in Dublin

'Very good' communicator Heimir now winning matches

John O'Shea on the importance of manager Heimir Hallgrímsson communicating effectively to a Republic of Ireland squad which is now embracing that winning feeling again.

Soccer • 25 Mar

New Zealand players in party mood after booking their ticket to the finals in North America

New Zealand crush New Caledonia to claim World Cup spot

New Zealand qualified for the 2026 World Cup as veterans Michael Boxall and Kosta Barbarouses scored in a second-half burst to beat New Caledonia 3-0 in Auckland.

Soccer • 24 Mar

Daizen Maeda, Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito of Japan celebrate

Japan become first team to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo struck in the second half to earn Hajime Moriyasu's side a 2-0 win over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium and confirm their place at next year's finals.

Soccer • 20 Mar

Chris Martin looks set for the World Cup final half-time show

Coldplay singer to help plan World Cup half-time show

Coldplay's Chris Martin and the band's manager Phil Harvey will be involved in helping FIFA plan the line-up for the first ever World Cup final half-time show next year.

Soccer • 05 Mar

Double World Cup winner Kitshoff forced to retire

Double World Cup winning prop forward Steven Kitshoff has been forced to retire from rugby after a serious neck injury, his club Stormers announced.

Rugby • 25 Feb

Saudi Arabia was controversially confirmed as World Cup hosts in December

No alcohol at 2034 World Cup, says Saudi official

No alcohol will be allowed at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, Saudi ambassador to the UK Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud has said.

Soccer • 12 Feb

Models displaying stadia that are projected to be used at 2034 World Cup

FIFA urged to halt Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup vote

FIFA has been urged to halt a vote to hand Saudi Arabia hosting rights to the 2034 men's World Cup by human rights groups, amid fears many migrant workers will die unless there is credible reform.

Soccer • 11 Nov 24

Wales on the hunt for a new manager as Page is sacked

Wales head coach Rob Page has been sacked, the Football Association of Wales has announced.

Soccer • 21 Jun 24

Siya Kolisi looks set to stick with the Springboks

Kolisi part of Springboks plans but may not be captain

Double World Cup winning captain Siya Kolisi is playing excellent rugby for French club Racing 92 and will be considered for South Africa this year, though he may not lead the side.

Rugby • 12 Mar 24

Soccer blue card and sin-bin trial announcement delayed

Football's lawmakers have delayed plans to publish details of sin-bin trials at higher levels of football until next month.

Soccer • 09 Feb 24

The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host the 2026 World Cup Final

MetLife Stadium chosen to host 2026 World Cup Final

The 2026 World Cup Final will be held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the home of the National Football League's New York Giants and New York Jets, FIFA announced on Sunday.

Soccer • 05 Feb 24