Prediction: Qatar to win 2-1
Best Odds: 13/2
The Republic of Ireland and Qatar will face each other in a friendly international this week. The match between Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side and Julen Lopetegui’s team will be held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time on Thursday.
Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland will still be reeling from their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals. The Irish lost to the Czech Republic on penalties in the playoff semi-finals and will now have to watch the finals this summer from home.
After the defeat, the Republic of Ireland manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson, said: “I feel pride in the performance as they gave it their all.
“I feel gratitude to the supporters who showed up and supported the team throughout and even after the loss, but I and I know the players feel only pain.”
Since the World Cup heartbreak, the Republic of Ireland have played two international friendlies. While they drew with North Macedonia in Dublin, they beat Grenada 5-0 in Murcia.
Team News:
Caoimhín Kelleher, Conor Brann, Seamus Coleman, Jamie McGrath, Troy Parrott, Jack Moylan, Adam Brennan and Mason Melia are part of the Republic of Ireland squad for the match against Qatar.
Qatar
Unlike the Republic of Ireland, Qatar have qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals and will feature in the prestigious competition this summer. This is the second time that Qatar will play at the World Cup, having hosted the competition four years ago in 2022.
This is the first time that Qatar will play at the World Cup after going through the qualification process. The Maroons found it easy in the second round of the Asian Football Confederation, but had to work hard in the third round.
The last time Qatar played a football match was back in December. The three games were against Palestine, Syria and Tunisia in the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup – Julen Lopetegui’s side did not win any.
Team News:
Meshaal Barsham, Shehab Ellethy, Lucas Mendes, Abdulaziz Hatem, Assim Madibo, Mohamed Al-Mannai, Almoez Ali and Edmilson Junior are part of the Qatar squad.
Key Factors to Consider
- The Republic of Ireland have won 1 and lost 1 of their 2 games against Qatar.
- The Republic of Ireland have scored 5 goals against Qatar.
- Qatar have scored 1 goal against the Republic of Ireland.
- Qatar have won 1 of their last 5 matches in all competitions
- Qatar’s last three friendly matches against Serbia, Argentina and Sudan were cancelled.
Conclusion
While traditionally the Republic of Ireland have done better than Qatar and their current team are also better, the Asian nation will play in the 2026 World Cup finals. Qatar have something to play for in this game, which they are using as preparation, and should eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Qatar to win 2-1
Best Odds: 13/2
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
