Hallgrimsson says he spoke to every Ireland player individually about Israel fixtures
Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said on 17 September 2026 he had spoken individually to every player in his squad about the prospect of facing Israel in forthcoming Nations League fixtures to be played at neutral venues. He added that "none of us feel comfortable playing in these games" while stressing that once the squad had decided to take part they would remain united.
Both Nations League meetings between the sides are scheduled at neutral venues, with Israel's 'home' game to be staged in Hungary on 27 September and the reverse fixture in Serbia on 4 October. The Football Association of Ireland confirmed its 'home' tie would be played behind closed doors, and no tickets will be made available for Irish fans for the 'away' game. Hallgrimsson named a squad that will also visit Kosovo on 24 September and host Austria on 1 October. At an extraordinary general meeting in July delegates backed an FAI motion to proceed with the Israel fixtures despite calls for a boycott.
Hallgrimsson said he had spoken to players individually "because we shouldn't be doing this in a group talk" and that conversations were necessary given the sensitivity of the situation. "Obviously we have different opinions, different strength of opinions," he said. He explained the one-to-one approach was intended to avoid putting players on the spot in a collective setting.
On the decision to play, Hallgrimsson said: "I think it's best to say, without going into individuals, none of us feel comfortable playing in these games but once we have decided to play them, we all stick together and play as one." He added: "We want to represent Ireland with the best games and performances that we can. That's the agreement with all of us," and remarked: "Obviously we don't all share the same opinion. That's just human nature."
The Football Association of Ireland's director of football John Martin described the situation around the fixtures as a "very uncomfortable situation for everyone" and said players "shouldn't be in a position where they get criticised". Coleman not included in Republic of Ireland squad. The decision to proceed has prompted a 'Stop The Game' campaign from Irish Sport for Palestine calling for a boycott, which has received support from former manager Brian Kerr and ex-player James McClean.
Supporters' and campaign actions have already affected recent fixtures; May's friendly against Qatar in Dublin was disrupted when tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch. The calls for a boycott follow the wider conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups: Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, "killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages," and Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza. The United Nations believes the retaliation has killed "more than 70,000 Palestinians," while Israel has regularly denied committing genocide or war crimes and has said its actions in Gaza have been justified as a means of self-defence.
The upcoming Nations League matches will be the Republic of Ireland's first competitive action since their World Cup play-off semi-final defeat by the Czech Republic in March; since the penalty shootout loss in Prague they have played four friendlies, beating Grenada and Qatar and drawing with North Macedonia and Canada. The immediate schedule sees Ireland travel to Kosovo on 24 September, face Israel in Hungary on 27 September, host Austria on 1 October and then meet Israel again in Serbia on 4 October.