Ireland vs Qatar Preview & Prediction | 2026 International Friendly
The Republic of Ireland missed out on FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification as they face a qualified Qatar side at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Thursday evening.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – FOX Soccer
How to watch online: UK – Amazon Prime PPV / USA – Hulu+
Ireland vs Qatar prediction
Fairly bizarrely, the Republic of Ireland played a game as far back as a couple of weeks ago when a relatively strong Irish side hammered Grenada by five goals to nil. After taking a 2-0 lead in Czechia, the Irish were then knocked out on penalties in their UEFA playoff semi-final for the FIFA World Cup back in March.
Qatar, now under the management of former West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Julen Lopetegui, didn’t play during the March international break and they haven’t played since a very underwhelming and disappointin group stage exit at the FIFA Arab Cup back in December.
Qatar are among the weakest sides at the 48-team tournament and Heimur Hallgrimsson will want his Ireland side to make a bit of a statement here, as they begin their next international cycle.
Ireland vs Qatar tip: Ireland to win
