The Republic of Ireland Men’s National Team begin their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign in Pristina tonight, facing Kosovo in the first of four matches over the next eleven days.
Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side arrive unbeaten in their last four competitive internationals against European opposition, with three wins and one draw. They have also won their last two Nations League fixtures and can make it three in succession in the competition for the first time.
Kosovo’s home record makes this a difficult opener. They have lost just one of their last seven competitive internationals in Pristina, conceding only three goals across those games and never more than once in a match. This will be the first competitive meeting between the countries.
Their Nations League scoring records contrast sharply. Kosovo striker Vedat Muriqi has scored 13 goals in the competition and contributed five assists. Ireland have scored 17 goals across their Nations League history, with 14 matches ending without an Irish goal.
Troy Parrott offers reason for optimism. He has scored six times in his last six Ireland appearances, compared with five goals in his previous 31. Hallgrímsson will hope that form carries into a campaign beginning with two away fixtures.
The Ireland head coach said his staff had followed Kosovo’s rise closely and highlighted the quality of its players at leading international clubs. Bosun Lawal is unavailable for tonight’s match, as he remains with Stoke City to continue his injury rehabilitation before joining the squad next week.
Kosovo v Republic of Ireland kicks off at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium at 7.45 pm Irish time and will be shown on RTÉ.
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Image Credit: UEFA
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