Ireland are due to play Israel home and away in the Nations League, but there is pressure to boycott the match.
Published May 28, 2026
Republic of Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has called on his players to “win this war” against Israel in the Nations League, as protests against the match reignite in the Irish parliament.
The Irish Football Association is under pressure to boycott two matches, including a home match in Dublin on October 4.
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Pro-Palestinian Irish politicians and football officials urged the federation to withdraw from the match, citing Israel’s actions during the genocidal war in the Gaza Strip.
In November, the FAI passed a motion calling on UEFA to immediately suspend Israel from international competitions, but it received no support from Europe’s governing body.
On Wednesday, fresh protests erupted in the Dail, Ireland’s parliament, over the match.
In October, Iceland national team coach Hallgrimsson was among those who called for Israel to be banned from international soccer tournaments.
The 58-year-old said this ahead of the friendly against Qatar in Dublin. “I have already expressed my opinion on this matter, so there is no need to repeat it.
“But from a football perspective, it’s an obstacle that I don’t like and it’s unfair for the players to be in this position and for us to be in this position. But from a football perspective, I don’t like us to be the bad guys. We’re not the bad guys here.”
He added: “I think the best answer for us is to win this game, win the war with them (Israel). That’s the perfect answer for me.”
“Other decisions are not ours to make, but the players want to represent their country well and do well, no matter who they play.”
Israel are playing their World Cup qualifiers in Hungary and will use a neutral venue for their Nations League match against Ireland on September 27.
The October 4th match in Dublin in particular has sparked intense protests in Ireland, with the FAI insisting it has “no choice” but to play the two matches against Israel in February, with suggestions that the match could be held elsewhere.
However, Hallgrimsson said: “Not playing at home would obviously be a disadvantage from a football point of view. We have a really good record at home.”
“We are building a strong fortress for the Aviva (Lansdowne Road) and moving it would obviously reduce our chances, so I hope people will rally around the players and the way we play rather than protest or do anything harmful.”
