World Cup road gets serious for Hallgrimsson after long wait
“This is it; now it gets serious.” Those were the strong words from Heimir Hallgrimsson as he announced his 23-man squad ahead of Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifying double-header against Hungary and Armenia. These matches mark the official start of the campaign to reach the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
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Hallgrimsson’s Defining Challenge
Although Hallgrimsson has been Ireland’s manager for more than a year, overseeing ten games that included a Nations League run and a play-off victory against Bulgaria, this qualifying campaign is the ultimate test he was appointed to lead. With only six matches—three at home and three away—in a tough group featuring Portugal, the manager’s future could become clear by mid-November. Winning the group guarantees automatic qualification, while a second-place finish would at least extend Ireland’s journey into the March play-offs. Anything less, however, would likely raise questions about his tenure and his role heading into Euro 2028, which Ireland will co-host.
Hungary First Up
The first test comes at home against Hungary, a crucial clash between two evenly matched teams. Hallgrimsson emphasized confidence in his squad, praising the players’ strong starts to their club seasons and highlighting the leadership within the team. He pointed out that several Irish players, including Nathan Collins, Josh Cullen, and Jason Knight, are captains at their respective clubs, while others like Liam Scales and Jimmy Dunne also hold leadership roles.
Selection Decisions and Squad Depth
Choosing just 23 players was a challenge, with high-profile names like captain Seamus Coleman missing out. Hallgrimsson explained that versatility was a major factor in his final selection, favoring players who could add something unique. Chiedozie Ogbene’s return from injury is seen as a key boost, while Bosun Lawal’s physicality and composure offer another dimension.
Future Options and Rising Talent
The manager also revealed that Sheffield United’s Louie Barry is under close watch, describing him as a direct, fearless player who could soon make the step into the senior squad. For now, Hallgrimsson is focused on his current group, stressing the importance of building momentum.
Balancing Caution with Ambition
When asked about his expectations, Hallgrimsson admitted that four points from the first two games would be a good outcome. However, he was clear that Ireland will push hard for a win at the Aviva Stadium, knowing that victory against Hungary could set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
