Story perspectives

Ireland to play Israel in Nations League despite boycott calls

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 10:46 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Ireland Plays Israel

Ireland's national football team will play two UEFA Nations League matches against Israel despite boycott calls.
The two legs are on September 27 in Debrecen, Hungary, and October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia, behind closed doors.
Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson said his squad will ‘play against genocide’ rather than with Israel.
A PFA poll found 63% oppose the fixtures and an Irish Mirror poll showed 71% public support a boycott.

Summary

Canada Debuts Eurovision

NPO will handle the Netherlands' entry as the country returns to Eurovision 2027.
The EBU reinstated juries for both semifinals and cut viewer votes from twenty to ten.
The EBU rule bars nations in armed conflict from hosting future Eurovision contests.
Canada will debut at Eurovision 2027, raising entries to thirty-eight as North Macedonia returns.
Belgium affirmed participation, saying it does not endorse or normalize the Gaza conflict.

1 of 2

Ireland Plays Israel

Ireland's national football team will play two UEFA Nations League matches against Israel despite boycott calls.
The two legs are on September 27 in Debrecen, Hungary, and October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia, behind closed doors.
Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson said his squad will ‘play against genocide’ rather than with Israel.
A PFA poll found 63% oppose the fixtures and an Irish Mirror poll showed 71% public support a boycott.

1 / 2