Israel and Republic of Ireland face off in crucial UEFA Nations League clash

match details and competition context

The UEFA Nations League Group B3 fixture between Israel and the Republic of Ireland is set for Sunday, 27 September 2026, with kick-off at 18:45 UTC. The match will be played at Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen. This encounter comes as both teams look to improve their fortunes after losing their opening group matches.

current standings and group situation

Israel currently sits at the bottom of the group in fourth place, having played one match which they lost 3-1 away to Austria. They have scored one goal and conceded three, leaving them with a goal difference of minus two and zero points. The Republic of Ireland occupy third place, also with zero points after a 1-0 defeat at home to Kosovo. They have scored no goals and conceded one, resulting in a goal difference of minus one. Both teams therefore find themselves level on points but separated by goal difference early in the campaign.

recent form of israel

Israel’s recent form shows a mixed bag of results over their last five matches. They have won two games, drawn two, and lost one. Their last match was the 3-1 loss to Austria on 24 September 2026, which marked their first defeat in the Nations League group. Prior to that, Israel recorded a 1-0 away victory against Albania on 3 June, a 2-2 draw away to Georgia on 26 March, a 4-1 home win over Moldova on 16 November, and a goalless draw away to Lithuania on 13 November. Overall, Israel have scored eight goals and conceded six in these five matches, averaging 1.6 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per game.

recent form of republic of ireland

The Republic of Ireland have also experienced a varied run in their last five outings. They have secured two wins, two draws, and suffered one defeat. Their most recent match was a 1-0 away loss to Kosovo on 24 September 2026. Earlier results include a 1-1 away draw with Canada on 5 June, a 1-0 home win against Qatar on 28 May, an emphatic 5-0 home victory over Grenada on 16 May, and a 0-0 home draw with North Macedonia on 31 March. Across these games, Ireland have scored seven goals and conceded just two, averaging 1.4 goals for and 0.4 goals against per game.

head-to-head and what to expect

This fixture presents an opportunity for both teams to claim their first points in Group B3. With Israel’s slightly inferior goal difference and home advantage, they will be keen to bounce back from their opening defeat. The Republic of Ireland, whose defence has been relatively robust in recent matches, may look to maintain their solidity while seeking to break their scoring drought in the Nations League. The close nature of their current standings and recent form suggests a competitive match, potentially decided by fine margins.

Where the teams stand

Recent form