Ireland to play Armenia in decisive Group F World Cup qualifier

Ireland travel to Yerevan on Tuesday to face Armenia in a Group F 2026 World Cup qualifier that could prove decisive for Heimir Hallgrímsson's side. Kickoff at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium is scheduled for 5pm Irish time, with Ireland seeking their first victory of the campaign after rescuing a 2-2 draw with Hungary at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, while hosts Armenia arrive off a heavy 5-0 defeat to Portugal.

Hallgrímsson faced a packed media room on Monday ahead of training and had to answer questions on team shape, personnel and lessons from Ireland's poor first half against Hungary, when they fell 2-0 inside 15 minutes. The manager defended his selection of Nathan Collins and Matt Doherty on the left side of defence despite criticism that two rightfooted players appeared ill-suited to the role. "So, if you think that two rightfooted players contributed to the goal, are you asking, is that the question? That's your analysis on the performance," Hallgrímsson said. He added that both Collins and Doherty have experience playing on the left and suggested opponents' tactics, rather than personnel, may have forced positional awkwardness.