Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has unveiled his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, featuring Evan Ferguson, who is currently dealing with an ankle injury. Ferguson, on loan at AS Roma from Brighton, previously scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory against Armenia in October. He sustained his injury during a match against Parma on October 29 but has still been selected in the 25-man roster for the final two group matches. The first match will take place at home against Portugal on Thursday, November 13, at 19:45 GMT, followed by an away game in Hungary on Sunday, November 16, at 14:00 GMT. Heading into these crucial fixtures, Hallgrimsson’s side currently sits in third place in Group F, just one point adrift of Hungary, who will face Armenia in their opening match of this round. Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup could hinge on their performance against the dominant leaders, Portugal, as a loss may leave them with diminished chances of advancement. The squad will be without Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning due to suspensions, although both players have been included in the overall squad. Mark Sykes makes a return despite being ruled out of his club’s next two fixtures due to a leg injury sustained in a recent match against Blackburn Rovers. Jimmy Dunne retains his spot after stepping in as a late replacement for the previous internationals due to Callum O’Dowda’s absence. Additionally, 26-year-old Kevin O’Toole, an American-born player who qualifies through his grandfather, has received a call-up. Notably absent from the squad is Celtic’s Johnny Kenny, despite his impressive performance of three goals in his last two games, including a pivotal goal in the League Cup semi-final against Rangers, while Hallgrimsson also contends with the injury of Sammie Szmodics. **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)
