The Republic of Ireland, famous for their passionate following and Jack Charlton's Italia 90 golden era (quarter-finals), again failed to qualify for FIFA 2026 — continuing a World Cup absence stretching back to 2002. Under new manager Heimir Hallgrímsson, Ireland are in a rebuilding phase, transitioning from the Kenny era and looking to develop a new identity.
| Appearances | 3 |
| Best Finish | Quarter-finals (1990) |
| Last Appearance | 2002 (round of 16) |
| 2022 Result | Did not qualify |
Ireland's squad features Premier League players — Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy's era ending, with a younger generation including players from Championship and lower Premier League clubs developing. The squad lacks a world-class individual talent but has depth of good professional players.
Ireland's failure to qualify for FIFA 2026 extends a 24-year World Cup absence (last appearing in 2002). Despite consistent competitive spirit and passionate support, the Republic lacks the depth of talent needed to compete over extended UEFA qualifying campaigns against nations with larger populations and stronger domestic leagues. Evan Ferguson's development gives genuine hope for a future generation, but FIFA 2026 arrives too early for this rebuilding project to bear full fruit.
Irish fans in Bangladesh (part of a large Irish diaspora worldwide) can follow Caoimhín Kelleher at Liverpool and Evan Ferguson at Brighton — both will likely be central figures in England's rival clubs during the tournament period. Group L's England vs Croatia also echoes the historic Ireland rivalry with English football from the Italia 90 era.
Follow FIFA 2026 on T Sports and Sony Sports in Bangladesh. England's Group L campaign — always of emotional significance to Irish fans given the historical football relationship — provides close viewing interest.