After what has been a lengthy buildup, Ireland will finally kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign when they face Hungary at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night.
With those two teams expected to battle it out for second place in the group, this already looks like a potentially pivotal fixture. A win would put Ireland in the driving seat for a top two finish, while a loss would leave them in a perilous position just one game in.
Heimir Hallgrimsson will be keen to see his side produce a big performance and will likely select what he feels to be his strongest XI as a result.
With that in mind, here is the Ireland team we would like to see start against Hungary.
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The Ireland Team We Want To See Against Hungary
Formation: 3-4-2-1
While it can be difficult to predict what formation Heimir Hallgrimsson will use in a given Ireland game, the fact that this system was used against Senegal in June would suggest that he intended to wheel it out once again for the visit of the Hungarians.
During that window, the Ireland boss said that everything done in the two friendlies (even down the scheduling) was done with the September fixtures in mind.
GK: Caoimhín Kelleher
Perhaps the easiest selection in the team, Caoimhín Kelleher is head and shoulders above Ireland’s other goalkeeping options at the minute.
He will likely need to produce a big performance if the home side are to secure a key victory in this one.
CB: Jake O’Brien
It seems all but certain that Nathan Collins and Dara O’Shea will start for Ireland in this game, with the other centre back spot up for grabs.
Jake O’Brien should be the leading contender, with his form for Everton having been very impressive in recent times. He is also capable of lining out at right back should Hallgrimsson opt for a back four.
CB: Nathan Collins
The captain of the side and the most important defender.
Collins will need to produce a big display to get the team over the line on Saturday.
CB: Dara O’Shea
Dara O’Shea has formed an excellent understanding with Collins over the last 18 months or so, with pair thriving in both three-man and four-man defences.
They are likely to rekindle that partnership in this game.
RM: Matt Doherty
Matt Doherty has experienced quite the resurgence over the last year, once against establishing himself as a Premier League regular.
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He is all but certain to start in this fixture if Ireland opt to use wingbacks, although he would battle it out with Jake O’Brien for a spot in the XI if the team employ a more traditional back four.
He could have a big job on his hands limiting Liverpool’s Milos Kerkez down that right flank.
CM: Jason Knight
Ireland are not blessed with a huge amount of options at central midfield, but Knight is deserving of his place after his recent performances in green.
The Bristol City man is incredibly consistent and his running power could be vital in limiting the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai.
CM: Josh Cullen
Josh Cullen has been excellent for Burnley since their return to the Premier League, with it being hoped that he can now carry that form over to the international scene.
Like Knight, he will be hugely important in limiting some of the opposition’s biggest threats.
LM: Ryan Manning
With Robbie Brady unavailable due to injury, Ryan Manning looks set to line out on the left flank.
His Ireland career has been up and down up to this point. However, he will have an opportunity to nail down a place in the side over the course of this campaign.
FW: Finn Azaz
Having quickly established himself as one of Ireland’s key players, it was a relief to see that Finn Azaz recovered from the injury he suffered in pre-season in time for this international window.
The 24-year old should come into this camp full of confidence on the back of his recent £15million move to Southampton. He will likely act as the main creative hub in the Irish side against Hungary.
FW: Sammie Szmodics
With Troy Parrott out, it is likely that the other spot in attack will come down to either Sammie Szmodics or Chiedozie Ogbene. Ogbene’s lack of minutes this season would make starting him a risk, while he would also be an ideal man to introduce as an impact player off the bench.
Hallgrimsson would certainly have no qualms about including Szmodics in the side, with the 29-year old having started every game under the Icelander before missing the last two camps due to injury.
ST: Evan Ferguson
After his impressive start to life in Italy, big things will be expected of Evan Ferguson during the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Despite some flashes, we are yet to see the very best of him in an Ireland jersey. With his injury issues now behind him, the latter half of 2025 might finally be the time for him to shine at international level.
A goal or two on Saturday evening would certainly be a fine start.
The Team In Full
The majority of this side look all but certain to start against Hungary, with a few spots in the team likely to come down to the formation that is used on the night.
The likes of Chiedozie Ogbene, Liam Scales, and Kasey McAteer will no doubt come under consideration for a place in the starting XI.
No matter who is selected, a positive result will be needed if Ireland are to harbour genuine hopes of reaching next summer’s World Cup.
SEE ALSO: Heimir Already Seeing Benefits Of One Major Change In Italy For Evan Ferguson