Ireland and Israel could meet again in Euro 2028 qualifying after Nations League turmoil

The Republic of Ireland and Israel have concluded a deeply contentious UEFA Nations League double-header that was defined as much by off-pitch confrontation as by football, with both nations now potentially facing another meeting in Euro 2028 qualifying.

The two fixtures had to be relocated to neutral venues in Hungary and Serbia due to security concerns, setting the tone for a window that became one of the most politically charged in recent international football memory. Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad before the series began, citing ethical reasons.

Before kick-off in Hungary, Irish players bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem. Captains Dara O’Shea and Caoimhin Kelleher — leading the side in Hungary and Serbia respectively — each declined to shake hands with their opposite number. Following Ireland’s win in the first fixture, Israel captain Manor Solomon publicly expressed frustration at what he described as hostility from the Irish squad.

The Football Association of Ireland launched an investigation into allegations that Irish players, including striker Adam Idah, were subjected to racist abuse from Israeli supporters after the first match. Tensions escalated further ahead of the return fixture when an Israeli journalist made accusations — described by Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson as a “verbal attack” — claiming Irish players had directed racist slurs at Israel’s squad. FAI communications manager Kieran Crowley terminated the press conference, dismissing the allegations as “completely untrue.”

The friction surrounding the fixtures is rooted in the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Public sentiment in Ireland has been strongly supportive of the Palestinian cause, a stance widely attributed to Ireland’s own history of occupation and partition. The matches prompted domestic protests and renewed calls from political groups and supporters questioning Israel’s continued participation in UEFA competitions.

Despite the acrimony, the two nations could be drawn together again sooner than either side might prefer. The UEFA Euro 2028 qualifying group stage draw is scheduled for December, with fixtures beginning in March 2027. Ireland and Israel are technically eligible to be placed in the same group, meaning the prospect of a third and fourth competitive meeting remains very much alive.