Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson has announced his 25-man squad for Ireland’s two final World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Hungary.
Ireland’s fate is still in their own hands; however, qualification seems rather unlikely. They need to win both against Portugal in Dublin next Thursday night. The team also requires a victory in the Puskas Arena against Hungary the following Sunday. As seems to always be the case with the Icelandic manager’s squad selection, it isn’t without massive talking points.
There’s a first Ireland call-up for New York City FC defender Kevin O’Toole. The New York-born 26-year-old qualifies to play for Ireland through his grandfather. A Limerick connection can often be found, and interestingly, O’Toole is the brother of Treaty United captain Jillian O’Toole.
O’Toole isn’t the only America-based player in the squad, as LAFC’s Andrew Moran has been recalled. Despite being forced off with injury after just seven minutes in Roma’s win over Parma last weekend, striker Evan Ferguson makes the squad. The 21-year-old has undoubtedly been the lone shining light in this otherwise disappointing campaign.
There’s no place in the squad for Celtic striker Johnny Kenny. The former Shamrock Rovers and Sligo striker has been enjoying a rich vein of form in Glasgow, and despite growing calls for him to be included, misses out.
️”It doesn’t matter if he misses a chance or two, his head never drops!”
️”He’s a goalscorer!”
Richie Towell reckons Johnny Kenny is a “Shoo-in” for Ireland’s next squad after his excellent performance against Rangers.@williamhillire pic.twitter.com/8vxJSySDll
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) November 5, 2025
Video: Off The Ball
Both Sammie Szmodics and Matt Doherty are absent from the squad through injury. Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning both make the squad, although they will miss the Portugal game with suspension.
The Republic of Ireland squad in full is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Jake O’Brien (Everton), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (Hull City), Ryan Manning (Southampton)*, Kevin O’Toole (New York City)
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion)*, Finn Azaz (Southampton), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Andrew Moran (LAFC)
Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City FC), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (İstanbul Basaksehir)
*Suspended for the first match against Portugal.
13 November: Republic of Ireland v Portugal, Aviva Stadium. 7.45
16 November: Hungary v Republic of Ireland, Puskas Arena, 2:00 (Irish Time)