Will Republic of Ireland win on 2026-09-27?

Analysis

Both sides open this Nations League group with defeats, Israel falling 3-1 to Austria and Republic of Ireland losing 1-0 to Kosovo, so neither team arrives with momentum heading into Sunday's meeting in Debrecen, Hungary. The build-up for Ireland has been anything but smooth. Training and a press conference were postponed this week amid reported unease in the squad over facing Israel, and Gavin Bazunu is reported to have pulled out rather than play. FAI chief executive David Courell said a vote among the players saw a significant majority choose to fulfil the fixture, but that kind of disruption so close to kickoff rarely helps a team settle into rhythm. Israel have their own selection issue, with Abu Farkhi suspended up front, though reports suggest Dor Turgeman or Tai Baribo can step into that role without a major drop in threat. Given the chaos surrounding Ireland's camp this week, from a postponed training session to a player walking away just days before kickoff, it is hard to make a confident case that they arrive in the best shape. A draw or an Israel win both remain live possibilities. The team sheet Ireland actually field, and whether the squad turmoil settles by kickoff, is the detail most likely to shift this picture.