Hallgrimsson relieved after Ireland’s testing two-week international window
October 5, 2026 01:50
WHAT HAPPENED
The Republic of Ireland completed four fixtures across the two weeks, taking five points from a possible 12. The sequence included a 3-0 win in Debrecen, a 2-2 draw at home with Austria and the 1-1 draw with Israel. The group travelled about 5,000 miles in total and played just one match on Irish soil.
The Israel fixtures were staged amid pressure from the Stop The Game campaign by Irish Sport for Palestine and internal disagreement within the squad. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for the Israel games. A vote among the remaining players on whether to proceed with the Israel fixtures featured on a chaotic day.
On the eve of the match in Serbia, Hallgrimsson’s news conference was cut short when an Israeli reporter alleged some Irish players had made racist comments in the previous victory; those claims have been denied by the Football Association of Ireland, which has launched its own investigation into racist abuse directed towards Irish players by some Israel fans in Debrecen. The FAI also said UEFA rejected a request to keep the Republic of Ireland and Israel separate.
AZAZ AND SQUAD SELECTION
Midfielder Finn Azaz did not feature in either Israel game. Hallgrimsson said Azaz had family links to Israel on his mother’s side, had played 90 minutes in the Austria match and sustained a small knock, and that the situation had been mentally testing for him. "I didn't feel he was ready for the [Israel] game," Hallgrimsson said.
On Azaz’s future with the national team, Hallgrimsson said: "Nothing points to him quitting and just being here proves it to me that he wants to be with us and wants to be with us in the Euro finals in 2028."
MANAGER REACTION
Hallgrimsson acknowledged the toll the window had taken: "It has taken a toll on us all. The players have been absolutely amazing in tough times." He added he had "learnt a lot in these two weeks" and conceded he had "been fresher" previously.