Republic of Ireland vs Qatar Preview, Prediction, Lineups and More — Pre-World Cup Friendly 2026

The Republic of Ireland face Qatar in an international friendly at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Thursday, 28 May 2026, with kickoff at 7:45pm local time. Ireland were heartbreakingly dumped out of World Cup 2026 qualifying in March, losing to the Czech Republic in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw — so these friendlies are now focused on Nations League preparation and bringing new players through. Qatar, meanwhile, are warming up for Group B of the World Cup finals, where they face Switzerland, Canada, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. For Heimir Hallgrímsson, this is a chance to rebuild belief and blood fresh talent in front of a packed Aviva crowd. For Julen Lopetegui, it is the last European run-out before the tournament begins.

Republic of Ireland vs Qatar Match Details

Ireland are using this international window to bring younger players into the mix ahead of their next UEFA Nations League campaign, which begins in September. Lopetegui, conversely, is treating this as a serious final evaluation — Qatar’s World Cup squad will be finalised days after this match.

Republic of Ireland Form Guide — Last 5 Matches

Republic of Ireland are unbeaten in each of their last six games in all competitions — four wins and two draws — their best such run since an eight-match stretch between September 2021 and March 2022. The highlight of that run was a stunning 5-0 demolition of Grenada earlier this month, with a debutant hat-trick stealing the headlines.

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*Match ended 2-2 in regular time — Ireland exited on penalties.

Striker Thomas Cannon scored a brace against Grenada, while debutant Jack Moylan netted a spectacular hat-trick — all five goals came in the second half. Hallgrímsson used a rotated squad against Grenada; he has confirmed he will go with a more experienced XI tonight. The mood in camp is positive despite the World Cup heartbreak, and a full Aviva will push the atmosphere.

Qatar Form Guide — Last 5 Matches

Julen Lopetegui has tested a lot of systems and players since taking charge, trying to find what works ahead of the World Cup — with a 4-2-3-1 feeling the most likely shape. Recent form has been inconsistent. Qatar have lost three of their last four matches, and have drawn three of their last four friendlies against African and European nations.

Qatar’s planned send-off friendly against Sudan on May 21 was abruptly cancelled, meaning this Ireland match is their only European warm-up before the World Cup. That makes tonight more significant than a routine friendly — Lopetegui needs to see a reaction from his squad after mixed recent results, and has specific tactical combinations to test before naming his final 26.

Republic of Ireland vs Qatar Head to Head Record

The sides first met in March 2021, playing out a 1-1 draw in Hungary, before Ireland secured a 4-0 victory in the return fixture at the Aviva Stadium later that year. Tonight is only the third time these two nations have ever met.

Ireland have never lost to Qatar and the Aviva has been a particularly good hunting ground in this fixture. Qatar have won only one of their last four matches, and their record against European teams at neutral venues is mixed, with two draws and two losses from their last four such fixtures. The history and the venue both favour the Boys in Green.

Republic of Ireland vs Qatar Predicted Lineups

Heimir Hallgrímsson has confirmed Ireland will go with a more experienced squad for the game against Qatar, having used this window to give first caps to several younger players in the Grenada win. Lopetegui is expected to line up in his preferred 4-2-3-1, with Akram Afif and Almoez Ali the nailed-on starters in attack.

Republic of Ireland Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Caoimhin Kelleher (GK) | Seamus Coleman (RB) | Nathan Collins (CB) | Dara O’Shea (CB) | Ola Aina (LB) | Jayson Molumby (CDM) | Joe Hodge (CM) | Killian Phillips (CAM) | Chiedozie Ogbene (RW) | Troy Parrott (ST) | Adam Idah (LW)

Qatar Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Meshaal Barsham (GK) | Pedro Miguel (RB) | Boualem Khoukhi (CB) | Lucas Mendes (CB) | Ahmed Fathy (LB) | Assim Madibo (CDM) | Abdulaziz Hatem (CM) | Hassan Al-Haydos (CAM) | Akram Afif (RW) | Almoez Ali (ST) | Edmilson Junior (LW)

The biggest selection question for Hallgrímsson is in the striker role — Troy Parrott is the emotional choice after his World Cup qualifying heroics, while Thomas Cannon pressed hard with his brace against Grenada. For Qatar, Almoez Ali is back to full fitness after his inclusion in the 28-man squad confirmed by Lopetegui ahead of this fixture. Qatar are likely to defend first and look to exploit Ireland on the transition through Afif’s pace. Lineups are predicted and subject to change. Confirmed lineups are usually released 60 minutes before kickoff. See all pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies.

Key Players to Watch

Troy Parrott — Republic of Ireland

Troy Parrott is the heartbeat of this Ireland squad. The striker delivered one of the great individual qualifying performances in Irish history — five goals in two November matches against Portugal and Hungary kept Ireland’s World Cup dream alive. He will walk out at the Aviva tonight with a point to prove after the Czech Republic penalty heartbreak, and a home crowd desperate to see him perform. Parrott’s movement in behind and his composure in front of goal make him Ireland’s most dangerous attacking outlet, and Qatar’s central defenders will have to be at their best to handle him. See our full Ireland squad guide for more on the Boys in Green.

Akram Afif — Qatar

Akram Afif and Boualem Khoukhi are mainstays of the Qatar squad, with the duo having played every minute of their World Cup debut on home soil in 2022. Afif is Qatar’s most dangerous creative force — a left-footed winger who cuts inside from the right and is capable of producing moments of real quality against any level of opposition. On a potentially wet Aviva pitch against a physical Irish backline, his ability to carry the ball and draw fouls in dangerous areas is Qatar’s best route to a result. Almoez Ali topped the AFC qualifying scoring charts with 12 goals, but it is Afif who makes everything work for Lopetegui’s system.

Republic of Ireland vs Qatar — Tactical Preview

Hallgrímsson will ask Ireland to press high and use the crowd to force Qatar into mistakes in their own half. The 4-2-3-1 shape relies on width from Coleman and Aina to deliver into Parrott’s runs, with Molumby sitting as the defensive screen and Ogbene providing the pace to threaten in behind. Qatar will not enjoy being pressed at pace on a cold Dublin evening — their attacking play is built for warmth and space, not Northern European intensity. During the Asian qualifying rounds, Qatar conceded more goals than any other team in the third round — 24 in total, conceding three or more goals in several fixtures. That vulnerability in defence is exactly what Hallgrímsson’s side will target with vertical runs and early crosses. The key tactical battle is Afif vs Coleman on Qatar’s right — if Ireland’s veteran captain keeps Afif quiet, Qatar’s attacking threat is significantly reduced. Lopetegui needs to see his double pivot of Madibo and Hatem provide enough protection to keep Ireland from running riot.

Republic of Ireland vs Qatar Prediction

Ireland have the home advantage, the better recent form, the more settled squad, and a passionate Aviva crowd behind them. Ireland are unbeaten in their last nine home matches and have won their last five games at this ground. Qatar have lost three of their last four matches and have failed to win a friendly against a European nation in their last three attempts. All the indicators point towards a comfortable home win, with the question being whether Ireland can keep a clean sheet against Afif and Almoez Ali when Qatar are given space to run. Expect Hallgrímsson’s side to control the first half and put the game to bed before the hour mark.

Our Prediction: Republic of Ireland 2–0 Qatar

Troy Parrott is the standout goalscorer pick — he thrives at the Aviva and has the movement to exploit Qatar’s high defensive line. Adam Idah’s physicality at left wing will also trouble a Qatar side unaccustomed to European press intensity. As always with friendlies, rotation after 60 minutes may affect the result — but Ireland’s first XI should be well clear by then. World Cup 2026 Group B: Qatar, Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia →

How to Watch Republic of Ireland vs Qatar Live

Kickoff is at 2:45 PM ET on Thursday, 28 May 2026. Irish fans can watch live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, which holds free-to-air national broadcast rights. The fixture was confirmed by the FAI with TV coverage on RTÉ. UK viewers can check Sky Sports or ITV (TBC — confirm before kickoff). US viewers can look for coverage on Apple TV+ or Peacock. Qatar fans can watch on beIN Sports. For the full worldwide broadcaster list and kickoff times in your timezone, see our complete.

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