Ireland vs Qatar preview: Who is included in the squad and when is it on?

Thu, 28 May, 2026 - 12:02

Kenneth Fox

While most of the football world is focused on the World Cup next month, the Republic of Ireland will have the consolation of two friendlies between Qatar and Canada.

It is still a chance for coach Heimir Hallgrímsson to try out some fresh faces and experiment as Ireland look forward to the UEFA Nations League campaign in September.

The likes of Benfica's Jaden Umeh and Lincoln City striker Jack Moylan will have a chance to show their credentials.

The 5-0 stroll over Grenada in Spain last Saturday was completed primarily by a grouping of fringe players vying to break from the periphery when the serious business resumes.

Moreover, the fact that the first three first-choices, Caoimhín Kelleher, Dara O’Shea, and Jayson Molumby, are excused after this home game means the experimentation will return for the trip to Montreal on Friday week.

Our 21-man matchday squad is in 🇮🇪👕

🏟️ Be there tonight | https://t.co/xfhpjnRcrp pic.twitter.com/KBfWlprIOV

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 28, 2026

Republic of Ireland Squad – Qatar and Canada

Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford)*, Mark Travers (Everton)**, Ed McGinty (Shamrock Rovers), Conor Brann (Cork City).

Defenders: Séamus Coleman (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town)*, Jake O’Brien (Everton), Liam Scales (Celtic), James Abankwah (Watford), Corrie Ndaba (Lecce), Alex Murphy (Newcastle United).

Midfielders: Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion)*, Joe Hodge (Tondela), Killian Phillips (St Mirren), Jamie McGrath (Hibernian), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic)**, Dawson Devoy (Bohemians)**.

Attackers: Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Mason Melia (Tottenham Hotspur), Jaden Umeh (Benfica), Jack Moylan (Lincoln City)*, Adam Brennan (Shamrock Rovers), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town).

*Qatar Match Only

**Canada Match Only