Republic of Ireland Names Squad for World Cup Qualifiers Amid Injuries

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has officially announced his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, including forward Evan Ferguson, who is currently dealing with an ankle injury. Ferguson, who is on loan at AS Roma from Brighton, notably scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory against Armenia in October. He sustained the injury during a match against Parma on October 29 but has still been selected for the 25-man squad for the final two group matches. These matches include a home game against Portugal on Thursday, November 13 (19:45 GMT) and an away game against Hungary on Sunday, November 16 (14:00 GMT).

As the team approaches the final round of matches in Group F, they find themselves in third place, just one point behind Hungary, who will be facing Armenia in their initial match. Depending on the outcomes, the Republic of Ireland’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup may be compromised, particularly if they suffer a defeat against group leaders Portugal.

Notably absent from the Portugal match will be Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning, both of whom are suspended but remain part of the squad. Mark Sykes makes a return despite his club Bristol City announcing that he would miss their next two games due to a leg injury sustained in a recent match against Blackburn Rovers.

In the wake of Callum O’Dowda’s absence, Jimmy Dunne retains his place in the squad after previously stepping in as a late replacement for the October international fixtures. Additionally, American-born Kevin O’Toole, who plays for New York City FC and qualifies through his grandfather, has received a call-up.

Interestingly, Celtic’s Johnny Kenny, who has scored three goals in his last two games, including the opener in the League Cup semi-final against Rangers, has not been selected, even with Hallgrimsson missing the injured Sammie Szmodics.

The squad breakdown is as follows:

**Goalkeepers:** Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton)
**Defenders:** Seamus Coleman (Everton), Jake O’Brien (Everton), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Liam Scales (Celtic), John Egan (Hull City), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Kevin O’Toole (New York City)
**Midfielders:** Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Southampton), Conor Coventry (Charlton Athletic), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Andrew Moran (Los Angeles FC)
**Attackers:** Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Swansea City), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Sheffield United), Festy Ebosele (Istanbul Basaksehir).