2026-27 UEFA Nations League: League B3 – Ireland vs Israel

Republic of Ireland meet Israel in a crucial League B3 showdown in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. 

If Kosovo beat Austria, victory could see Ireland go top of the group.

Israel meanwhile will remain bottom of the group no matter the result, but defeat coupled with a Kosovo victory would leave them needing to win both of their last two group matches in November to avoid relegation to League C.

 

Team News

James Abankwah is suspended for Ireland after he collected his second booking during their 2-2 draw against Austria.

Goalkeeper, Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from the squad for personal reasons given the political controversy surrounding this fixture.

Israel could be without defender, Anan Khalaili after he suffered a hamstring injury during their 0-0 draw against Kosovo on Thursday evening.

Tai Baribo and Manor Solomon are both awaiting late fitness tests due to respective knocks.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Ireland face Israel at TSC Arena, Backa Topola, Serbia, on Sunday 4 October at 8:45pm CEST (7:45pm BST), live on Amazon Prime Video in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Ireland won 3-0 in their only previous Nations League meeting against Israel.
• Israel are playing away against Ireland at a neutral venue for the first time in all competitions, after Irish police couldn’t guarantee the appropriate security measures in Dublin for this fixture.
• Three of Ireland’s five goals in their last two matches have been scored by Troy Parrott.
• Israel have failed to score in two of their three group matches so far (D1, L2).

 

Prediction

Having ruthlessly dispatched Israel in the reverse fixture then took a 2-0 lead against Austria, Ireland will of been disappointed to had drawn the latter match but they need to take that disappointment and use it as fuel for this game and again be clinical but without the defensive errors.

Israel meanwhile will be relieved to had kept a clean sheet against Kosovo despite being outplayed in terms of attacking opportunities, but they will now need to be at their best to keep Parrott quiet because this is a tough ask against a side that have found their groove.

Although Israel surely will offer a closer game than last Sunday, I just think that Ireland will have the better quality and get a comfortable result.

Prediction: ROI 2-0 Israel