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 step into League B for the first time after earning promotion through the March 2025 playoffs against Iceland. Franco Foda's side showed resilience in their recent home outings, winning two of their last four matches. Vedat Muriqi remains the focal point of their attack, while new captain Mergim Vojvoda brings leadership following Amir Rrahmani's international retirement. Selection headaches persist, though, with several key players carrying injuries or lacking club minutes.
The Republic of Ireland arrive in a cautious mood after a sequence of three draws and one defeat in their recent fixtures. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, whose contract was recently extended, has placed enormous emphasis on Nations League results as a pathway to improved Euro 2028 qualifying seedings. Troy Parrott, in fine early-season form with Real Betis, is expected to spearhead the attack. Several uncapped players, including Liam Kitching and Joel Bagan, could feature.
Kosovo's home form reads impressively with three wins from their last four outings, and their attacking potency is well documented. Vedat Muriqi remains their talisman, ranking among the all-time leading scorers for the national team. Ireland, by contrast, have managed just one win in their recent four-match sequence, drawing three times. That lack of cutting edge on the road makes it difficult to back them at 3.12.
This inaugural meeting between the two sides carries real weight for both camps. Franco Foda's squad will be energised by their historic promotion and a passionate home crowd, while Heimir Hallgrimsson knows a strong Nations League showing could boost Ireland's Euro 2028 seeding. Troy Parrott's early-season form at Real Betis gives Ireland hope, yet Kosovo's settled defensive structure under new captain Mergim Vojvoda should limit clear-cut chances.
The double chance 1X stands out as the recommended selection here, covered by the home price at 2.50. Kosovo's record on their own patch, combined with Ireland's tendency to share the spoils rather than win away, supports this pick at a confidence level of 58%. Under 2.5 goals at 1.58 also merits attention given both sides' cautious recent tendencies in competitive fixtures.
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Trends to Know about Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland
- Kosovo won three of four at home
- Ireland drew three of last four away
- First-ever meeting between these nations
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 faces a more expansive Irish 3-4-3, setting up an interesting tactical contest in Pristina. Kosovo's double pivot in midfield will look to press high and feed Vedat Muriqi, while Ireland's three-man defence gives their wing-backs licence to push forward and create width.
Both lineups carry probable status, sourced from multiple credible outlets, so the confidence level on either side is broadly comparable. Finn Azaz operating in the front three gives Ireland a creative, technical option, and how Kosovo's flat midfield four handles that threat in the channels could well define the match's rhythm.
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 at 19:45 local time in the UEFA Nations League.
Where is Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland being played?
The confirmed venue for this fixture is to be determined, with an official announcement expected closer to matchday.
How Can I Watch Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland on TV and Live Stream?
Broadcasting details for Kosovo vs Republic of Ireland will be confirmed by UEFA closer to the fixture date.