Ireland-Israel Nations League Doubleheader Goes Ahead Amid Protests

Ireland and Israel meet twice on neutral ground as boycott calls grow and war-related tensions spill into soccer.

Ireland and Israel are set to meet in a soccer doubleheader on Sunday and October 4, with both games moved to neutral venues amid the war in Gaza. The Football Association of Ireland had asked UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association over Israel's military action, but European soccer's governing body rejected the request.

Boycott campaigns have intensified at home. More than 160 Irish athletes signed an open letter from the Irish Sport for Palestine Group urging the FAI to withdraw from the fixtures, and demonstrators gathered outside the national team's hotel in Dublin on Monday.

Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson acknowledged the discomfort around the games while confirming his squad would compete. "None of us feel comfortable playing in these games but once we have decided to play them, we all stick together and play as one," he said.

His remarks drew a sharp response from the Israel FA, which posted on social media criticizing the Icelandic coach and saying Israel would be "playing against the coach" rather than alongside him.

Sunday's match takes place in Debrecen, Hungary. Ireland's home fixture follows on October 4 behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia, after the FAI cited operational challenges with hosting in Dublin. No tickets are available to Irish supporters for either game. The FAI has said refusing to play could jeopardize Ireland's qualification path as co-host of Euro 2028 and cause significant harm to the association.