Ireland Football Team Votes to Play Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

On September 26, 2026, players from Ireland’s football team voted to proceed with a UEFA Nations League tie against Israel, despite unease regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. David Courell, head of the Football Association of Ireland, announced that a significant majority of the squad supported fulfilling the fixture.

The match is scheduled to take place in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 27, 2026. Ireland's designated home match on October 4 was relocated from Dublin’s Aviva Stadium to Backa Topola, Serbia, due to security concerns.

Ireland has historically supported the Palestinian cause, formally recognizing a Palestinian state in 2024. The decision to continue with the fixtures comes amid protests from prominent Irish figures, sportspeople, and pro-Palestinian campaigners.

Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson noted that one unnamed player chose to withdraw from the squad prior to the vote, which delayed a scheduled press conference.