Ireland vs North Macedonia – Predicted lineup and team news

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·31 mars 2026

Ireland vs North Macedonia – Predicted lineup and team news

The Republic of Ireland host North Macedonia in Dublin in an international friendly after both nations lost their respective FIFA World Cup play-off semi-finals.

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side surrendered a 2-0 lead over Czechia in Prague before losing 4-3 on penalties, ending a run that had included three straight competitive wins to close out 2025.

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Macedonia, meanwhile, were heavily beaten by Denmark after conceding four goals in the second half.

Ireland team news

The squad has also changed because of late withdrawals recently. Sammie Szmodics is out after the concussion he suffered against Czechia, Robbie Brady is unavailable to avoid any risk of injury, and Jack Taylor has returned home for personal reasons after becoming a doubt.

There is at least one fresh face in the camp, though, with Portsmouth winger Millenic Alli receiving his first senior Ireland call-up and joining training at Abbotstown. Hallgrímsson could also look to Liam Scales and Bosun Lawal as he uses the match to give some newer options a chance.

The Republic of Ireland now know this is not a winner-takes-all occasion, but Hallgrímsson has said he wants performance rather than experimentation to lead the team’s response. A friendly against North Macedonia is still useful for rhythm, structure and giving the squad a cleaner finish to the window.