Hallgrimsson Expresses Satisfaction with Republic of Ireland’s World Cup Qualifying Group

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson expressed his belief that the 2026 World Cup draw was “good for us” after his team was placed in a four-team Group F, which includes either Portugal or Denmark, Hungary, and Armenia. Hallgrimsson also stated he holds no particular preference regarding whether Portugal or Denmark ultimately secure the top seed position in the group. Speaking to RTE Sport, the Ireland boss remarked, “I think it’s a group that definitely teams will take points from each other, so looking at it, I don’t think there will be a runaway winner which makes it more possible to qualify.” He further characterized the draw as “Kind of neutral, could have been worse, could have been better.” A direct spot in the World Cup finals, hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico, is guaranteed only for the Group F winners. The teams finishing as runners-up will advance to a 16-team play-off series, from which an additional four teams will secure qualification for the tournament. Due to being in a four-team group, Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign is scheduled to commence next September. Hallgrimsson reiterated his lack of preference regarding which nation, Portugal or Denmark, emerges victorious from their Uefa Nations League play-off in March to claim the final Group F spot alongside Ireland, Hungary, and Armenia. He elaborated on his reasoning, stating, “Both these teams play similar types of football. Both possession teams, creative players, really good on the ball both teams.” He further assessed, “Portugal has better individuals, technically better individuals but I think Denmark has a really good collective team. In Scandinavia, they are the best, in regards to technique etc, pressing.” The Republic of Ireland manager also conveyed his preference for the condensed schedule of autumn qualifiers, as opposed to starting the campaign in June. Hallgrimsson explained his reasoning: “The most important thing for us was to be in a group of four teams playing this September-October-November window. It comes quick. It finishes in three months. So hopefully, everybody will be fit and ready.” He added, “Now we know who we are playing, we can try to find opponents in June who will be similar to the ones we are playing.” The 1-0 Nations League defeat to Armenia in June 2022 stood as one of the most ignominious results during the unsuccessful tenure of former Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny. This 1-0 loss to Armenia in the Nations League in June 2022 was considered one of the Ireland team’s most embarrassing defeats under the leadership of the previous manager, Stephen Kenny. Regarding the prospect of facing Armenia, a side he characterized as “tricky opponents,” Hallgrimsson commented, “It’s maybe a positive for us that we lost.” In the current Fifa rankings, Armenia is positioned exactly 40 places below the Republic of Ireland, who are rated 60th. Hungary currently holds the 30th spot. Hallgrimsson stated, “They (Armenia) are seeded below us but I don’t think any of the players would underestimate this team.” He then added, “But if we are going to qualify, we need six points against Armenia.” Saturday, September 6 – Republic of Ireland v Hungary Tuesday, September 9 – Armenia v Republic of Ireland Saturday, October 11 – Portugal/Denmark v Republic of Ireland Tuesday, October 14 – Republic of Ireland v Armenia Thursday, November 13 – Republic of Ireland v Portugal/Denmark Sunday, November 16 – Hungary v Republic of Ireland