FAI confirms Ireland will face Israel after Nations League B draw

Michael Bolton

The Republic of Ireland have been drawn to face Israel in their group of League B in the Uefa Nations League.

Ireland has been drawn in group three, alongside Israel, Austria, and Kosovo.

The FAI have released a statement saying they will fulfil their fixtures against Israel.

“The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirms that the Ireland Men’s National Team will fulfil their 2026 UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel after being drawn together in Group B3.

"In 2025, a motion was proposed by members of the FAI General Assembly to vote on issuing a formal request to the UEFA Executive Committee for the immediate suspension of the Israel Football Association from UEFA competitions for a breach of UEFA statutes. Members then voted in favour to submit the motion to UEFA, which the Association did in November 2025.

"While consultation has taken place with UEFA officials, the Association does recognise that UEFA regulations outline that if an association refuses to play a match then that fixture will be forfeited and further disciplinary measures may follow – including potential disqualification from the competition."

Ireland were in a tough group the last time they were in the Nations League, containing England, Greece, and Finland.

They won 4-2 over two legs against Bulgaria to maintain their League B status.

The six fixtures will take place between September and November in 2026, with the winner of the group qualifying for a play-off spot for Euro 2028.