The Republic of Ireland will play Israel in Debrecen on Sunday after a day of uncertainty over the UEFA Nations League fixture.
FAI chief executive David Courell confirmed on Saturday afternoon that a significant majority of the Ireland squad had voted to fulfil the Group B3 match. The decision followed a lengthy players’ meeting in Hungary that delayed the team’s planned media and training schedule.
A pre-match news conference featuring manager Heimir Hallgrímsson and a player had been due to begin at 9.15am BST, but was postponed shortly before it started. The team’s 10am training session was also delayed, raising questions about whether Sunday’s game would take place.
Players later emerged from their meeting, and the FAI rearranged the news conference at Nagyerdei Stadion for 2.30pm BST, with training to follow. Courell then confirmed the squad’s decision to play. Reports that individual players had considered withdrawing have not been confirmed by the FAI.
The fixture has prompted sustained debate in Ireland amid calls for a boycott over Israel’s war in Gaza. The FAI has previously said it sought action from UEFA on Israel’s participation in international football, while warning that refusing to play could lead to a forfeit and further disciplinary measures.
Sunday’s match, designated as Israel’s home fixture, is scheduled for the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen. The teams are also due to meet on 4 October, when Ireland’s designated home game will be played at a neutral venue in Bačka Topola, Serbia.
Read more: Northern Ireland vs Hungary, 28 September 2026 | Northern Ireland squad for UNL quadruple header named | Four games, 11 days: Michael O’Neill’s new generation | Conor Bradley set to miss Nations League campaign
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