Treacy: Ireland lacks confidence for World Cup
Back in September 2022, Keith Treacy warned that the Republic of Ireland were “sleepwalking” into the Euro 2024 qualifiers. As fate would have it, they landed in a tough group with France and the Netherlands. But the biggest letdown came not from those giants but from the poor showings against Greece, a lower-ranked Pot 4 team. Now, as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers starting in September, Ireland face a new challenge with games against Hungary, Armenia, and Nations League champions Portugal crammed into three short international windows. Based on their recent friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg, Treacy’s concerns haven’t eased.
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Friendlies Offer Little Hope
Speaking on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast, Treacy dismissed the importance of recent friendlies, especially a lackluster game against Luxembourg that even coach Heimir Hallgrimsson admitted was “boring.” Ireland drew both matches, and Treacy wasn’t convinced by the performances, particularly against Luxembourg. He noted that while Portugal and Hungary are clear favorites, Ireland must take maximum points against Armenia—but the current form offers little assurance that they can do so.
No Confidence in Qualification Chances
Treacy admitted that even before the friendlies, he wasn’t confident in Ireland’s qualification hopes—and nothing has changed. He pointed out how the team has serious issues in every part of the pitch. Despite having Premier League-caliber defenders like Jake O’Brien, Nathan Collins, and Dara O’Shea, Ireland have kept just two clean sheets in their last ten games. Offensively, they’ve managed only eight goals in the same stretch, raising questions about the supposed quality in attack.
Midfield Struggles and Identity Crisis
Ireland’s midfield is another major concern. Treacy observed that they can’t maintain possession under pressure, making it impossible to play a possession-based style. At the same time, they’re not solid enough defensively to compensate. He agrees with Hallgrimsson that the team has become harder to beat, but doubts whether the improvement is enough to challenge teams like Portugal or even beat Hungary. With crucial matches against Hungary and Armenia coming first, Treacy feels there’s too much uncertainty and not nearly enough belief.
