Kosovo
Rep. Of Ireland
>Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland Predictions, Picks & Odds – 24/09/2026
UEFA Nations League · 1Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland – Best bets of the match
Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland Preview
Kosovo enter League B for the first time in their history, a reward for their promotion via the March 2025 playoffs against Iceland. Franco Foda's side showed mixed recent form, winning two and losing two of their last four outings. Captain Mergim Vojvoda leads a squad missing retired centre-back Amir Rrahmani, though Vedat Muriqi remains the focal point in attack. Selection headaches persist, with several players carrying knocks or lacking club minutes.
The Republic of Ireland arrive in similarly inconsistent shape, drawing three of their last four matches and managing just one victory. Heimir Hallgrimsson, whose contract has been extended, views this Nations League campaign as pivotal for Euro 2028 seeding. Troy Parrott, in fine early-season form with Real Betis, is expected to spearhead the attack. Newcomers Liam Kitching, Joel Bagan, and Owen Elding could earn maiden caps in this historic first meeting between the sides.
Kosovo's recent home form reads two wins and two defeats, yet their Nations League pedigree on home soil is outstanding: four straight victories in the previous campaign. Vedat Muriqi, their all-time second-highest scorer, remains the focal point of an attack that thrives in front of their own supporters. Franco Foda's side carry genuine belief into this inaugural League B fixture.
Ireland's form tells a different story. Three draws and a win from their last four outings suggest a side difficult to beat but struggling to impose themselves. Troy Parrott's bright start at Real Betis offers hope going forward, though Hallgrimsson's squad still lacks the cutting edge to win regularly away from home. The visitors' defensive resilience could keep this tight.
The double chance on Kosovo, covering a home win or draw, represents the strongest angle here. Kosovo's home record at 2.38 underlines their threat, while Ireland's propensity for stalemates at 3.10 supports the logic of combining both outcomes. Under 2.5 goals at 1.61 also merits consideration given Ireland's cautious approach on the road. This is a fixture where the hosts should avoid defeat.
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Trends to Know about Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland
- Kosovo won four straight home Nations League matches
- Ireland drew three of last four fixtures
- First-ever meeting between these two sides
Form & Statistics: Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland
Kosovo
Recent form
Season statistics (4)
Rep. Of Ireland
Recent form
Season statistics (4)
Lineups: Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland
Kosovo
Starters
- 1 Arijanet Muric
- 2 Mergim Vojvoda
- 3 Lumbardh Dellova
- 4 Albian Hajdari
- 5 Dion Gallapeni
- 6 Edon Zhegrova
- 7 Veldin Hodza
- 8 Leon Avdullahu
- 9 Milot Rashica
- 10 Albion Rrahmani
- 11 Vedat Muriqi
Absent
- Amir Rrahmani (Retired from international football due to a dispute with the federation.)
- Kreshnik Hajrizi (Underwent surgery in May and has not fully recovered; expected to miss all four Nations League games.)
- Donat Rrudhani (Injury suffered during training with his club, replaced in the squad.)
- Dardan Shabanhaxhaj (Unknown injury.)
Rep. Of Ireland
Starters
- 1 Caoimhín Kelleher
- 2 Jake O'Brien
- 3 John Egan
- 4 Dara O'Shea
- 5 James Abankwah
- 6 Jayson Molumby
- 7 Jason Knight
- 8 Ryan Manning
- 9 Finn Azaz
- 10 Troy Parrott
- 11 Chiedozie Ogbene
Bench
- Killian Phillips
- Owen Elding
- Liam Kitching
- Rocco Vata
Absent
- Seamus Coleman (Remains without a club and lacks match fitness.)
- Nathan Collins (Calf injury, ruled out of all four Nations League matches.)
- Jack Taylor (Unavailable.)
- Harvey Vale (Injury sustained during warm-up for his club.)
- Mikey Johnston (Unavailable.)
- Evan Ferguson (Unavailable.)
- Jamie McGrath (Calf injury sustained during warm-up for his club.)
- Josh Cullen (Unavailable.)
- Bosun Lawal (Recovery from injury was not timely enough to be part of his club squad.)
- Will Smallbone (Unavailable.)
- Mason Melia (Unavailable.)
- Matt Doherty (Not selected for the squad.)
- Festy Ebosele (Not selected for the squad.)
Medium confidence
A compact 4-4-2 from Kosovo meets a more expansive 3-4-3 from the Republic of Ireland, setting up an intriguing tactical contest in Pristina. Vedat Muriqi leads the line for the hosts, while Ireland's three-man attack will look to exploit the wider channels against a flat midfield four.
Both lineups carry probable status from multiple credible sources, so the shape of this fixture is reasonably well established ahead of kickoff. Chiedozie Ogbene's pace on the flank could prove a persistent threat against Kosovo's defensive block, and Ireland's wing-backs will be central to how much territory Heimir Hallgrímsson's side can claim.
How to Watch Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland Match?
What time is Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland?
Kosovo host the Republic of Ireland on 24 September 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 19:45 local time.
Where is Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland being played?
The confirmed venue for this fixture is yet to be announced by UEFA.
How Can I Watch Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland on TV and Live Stream?
Broadcast details for Kosovo vs Republic of Ireland have not yet been confirmed by UEFA.