Is Ferguson Joining the Republic of Ireland Squad?

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has revealed his squad for the crucial World Cup qualifiers, with forward Evan Ferguson included despite a recent ankle injury. Ferguson, who scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory against Armenia in October, faces a race against time to be fit for the upcoming matches against Portugal and Hungary.

Last updated: 31 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Republic of Ireland's football team is gearing up for the final two matches in Group F of the World Cup qualifiers. With the first match against Portugal scheduled for Thursday, 13 November, at 19:45 GMT, the stakes are high. Ireland is currently in third place, trailing Hungary by just one point, making these games critical for their chances of qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Key takeaways

Evan Ferguson included in the squad despite an ankle injury.
Upcoming matches: Portugal (13 November) and Hungary (16 November).
Ireland sits third in Group F, just one point behind Hungary.
Key players missing due to suspension: Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning.
Mark Sykes returns despite injury concerns from club matches.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to this point in the World Cup qualifiers has seen several key moments:

October 2023: Evan Ferguson scores the winner against Armenia on 12 October.
29 October 2023: Ferguson sustains an ankle injury during a match against Parma.
31 October 2023: Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson names the squad for upcoming qualifiers.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest development is the announcement of the Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifiers, which includes Evan Ferguson despite his injury concerns. This decision indicates Hallgrimsson's confidence in Ferguson's ability to recover in time for the matches.

What was already established

Prior to this announcement, the team was already aware of their precarious position in Group F, needing to secure points in the final matches to enhance their chances of World Cup qualification. The importance of these fixtures has been underscored by the recent performances of key players, including Ferguson's previous contributions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The upcoming World Cup qualifiers are of significant interest to sports fans across the UK and Ireland. The performance of the Republic of Ireland team impacts not just the players and coaching staff but also the fans and local economies, especially in areas where matches are played. Increased viewership can stimulate local businesses, especially those in hospitality.

Businesses and jobs

As the qualifiers approach, associated businesses, particularly those in tourism and hospitality, may see an increase in activity. Pubs and restaurants that cater to fans will be preparing for heightened attendance during match days. Additionally, the success of the national team can influence investments in local sports programmes and related industries.

Policy and regulation

There are no immediate regulatory changes affecting the Republic of Ireland's football operations; however, the outcomes of these matches could influence future funding and support for football development initiatives in the country. Successful qualification for the World Cup could lead to increased government and private sector backing for sports initiatives.

Numbers that matter

1: Position of Ireland in Group F, currently one point behind Hungary.
2: Number of matches remaining in the qualifiers.
3: Goals scored by Johnny Kenny in his last two games, despite not being selected for the squad.
25: Total number of players in the squad named by Hallgrimsson.
19:45 GMT: Kick-off time for the match against Portugal on 13 November.

Definitions and jargon buster

World Cup qualifiers: Matches that determine which teams will compete in the FIFA World Cup.
Group F: One of the groups in the qualification stage, consisting of several national teams.
Loan: A temporary transfer of a player to another club for a specified period.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the focus will be on the matches against Portugal and Hungary. The team will need to prepare intensively to maximise their chances of success, particularly with the inclusion of potentially unfit players like Ferguson.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Depending on the outcomes of these matches, the Republic of Ireland may need to reassess its strategies and player selections for future international fixtures. Successful qualification could lead to more significant funding and support for football development in the country.

Signals to watch

Performance of Evan Ferguson in the upcoming matches.
Results of the matches against Portugal and Hungary.
Developments regarding player injuries and team selection for future games.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on player conditions leading up to the matches.
Engage with local businesses that promote the matches.
Support the team through attendance or viewership.

Don’t

Underestimate the importance of these qualifiers.
Ignore updates on player fitness and squad changes.
Assume qualification is guaranteed without winning matches.

Checklist

Check local listings for match timings and locations.
Stay informed about player injuries and fitness updates.
Support grassroots football initiatives in your area.
Follow team news through official channels.
Engage with community events related to the matches.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the inclusion of Evan Ferguson is promising, his fitness remains uncertain, and the team's performance could be impacted by his condition. Additionally, the absence of suspended players like Jayson Molumby and Ryan Manning may weaken the squad. The unpredictable nature of knockout football means outcomes can hinge on single moments, making it difficult to predict results confidently.

Bottom line

The Republic of Ireland faces a critical juncture in their World Cup qualification campaign. With the matches against Portugal and Hungary looming, the team's preparation and player fitness will be paramount. Their chances of qualification depend heavily on their performance in these decisive games.

FAQs

What is the significance of the upcoming matches for Ireland?

The upcoming matches are vital for Ireland's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, as they currently sit third in their group and need to secure points to enhance their prospects.

Who are the key players to watch in the squad?

Key players include Evan Ferguson, who scored the winner against Armenia, and Troy Parrott, who is expected to make significant contributions in attack.

What happens if Ireland loses to Portugal?

A loss to Portugal could severely impact Ireland's chances of qualification, potentially leaving them needing a win against Hungary to remain in contention.