Are The World Cup Dreams Of This Nation Salvagable?

Are Ireland's World Cup Dreams Still Salvageable?

Tuesday night brought about a much needed three points for Ireland and their intentions of playing at the World Cup in North America next summer. A sole Evan Ferguson strike against the ten men of Armenia sealed a far from convincing victory against their Group F rivals, as they managed to keep hopes of qualification alive with all three points.

The result marked a first win in their World Cup qualifying campaign and saw the Boys in Green move within one point of second-placed Hungary with two games left to play. With their hopes very much on a knife edge, we take a look at whether Ireland has got what it takes to make it to a first World Cup tournament since 2002.

Evan Ferguson scored the only goal as Republic of Ireland moved up to third in group F with a 1-0 win over Armenia 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/32p0W3iLtX

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 14, 2025

Remaining Fixtures

Now having to wait just under a month until their next qualifying fixture, Heimir Hallgrimsson's side will know they have it all to do in their remaining two games. Firstly, they host Cristiano Ronaldo and co. as they welcome giants Portugal to the Aviva Stadium. With the Portuguese still yet to mathematically qualify, Ireland can expect their opposition to be at full strength for the huge clash next month.

Their final fixture in the group provides a tricky visit to Hungary, in what could be a direct shootout in deciding who gets that playoff place. The Hungarians rescued a last-minute point away at Portugal on Tuesday, and with a more favourable trip to Armenia before playing Ireland, they will most likely go into the final day as firm favourites to finish second.

Hallgrimsson and his side will know that it will take two positive results to see them break into the playoff position. Most likely needing four points, potentially six, from their remaining fixtures is a daunting prospect considering the opposition. Ireland will know they will have to be on top of their game if they are to salvage their World Cup campaign.

Here's how Group F stands after tonight's results.

Szoboszlai's 92nd minute equaliser means Ireland will likely need a point against Portugal at the Aviva for this to go down to the last day for Ireland. pic.twitter.com/v24eQQkQkH

— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) October 14, 2025

The Players

Unlike past campaigns, this Irish squad has the capabilities to compete and to cause problems for any opposition in international football. With a brilliant goalkeeper in Caoimhin Kelleher and a defence featuring the likes of Jake O'Brien and Nathan Collins, they also have a solid foundation to keep clean sheets in the biggest of games. A plethora of attacking talent such as Ebosele, Szmodics and Ferguson has meant this Ireland squad is in a good place and must go into these two pivotal games with the knowledge of the quality they possess.

It wasn’t to be last night…

But what a moment. Ireland’s No.1 🇮🇪💚 pic.twitter.com/HJylMabhuG

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) October 12, 2025

Although the opposition is formidable, Ireland must harness the talent at their disposal and be buoyed by their mixture of experience and youth. Their squad contains personnel who have the ability to directly influence results, and although matchups against Portugal and Hungary will test their mettle, Irish football can be happy with the personnel they have available currently.

The Manager

Hallgrimsson's appointment last year came as a shock to many following his stint with Jamaica. The Icelandic manager has had a rocky start to life as Ireland boss and will know his fate largely rests on the outcome of the next two games. Famous for his tactical masterclass which saw his home nation Iceland knock out a star-studded England team in Euro 2014, Irish fans will be hoping his ability to upset international footballing giants can shine through in their two fixtures next month.

With a squad full of potential at his selection, Hallgrimsson will be confident of overcoming the odds and booking his flight to North America next summer with two positive results next month.