Republic of Ireland national football team facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Republic of Ireland

Nickname(s)	The Boys in Green (Irish: Na buachaillí i nglas)
Association	Football Association of Ireland (FAI)
Confederation	UEFA (Europe)
Head coach	Heimir Hallgrímsson
Captain	Séamus Coleman
Most caps	Robbie Keane (146)
Top scorer	Robbie Keane (68)
Home stadium	Aviva Stadium
FIFA code	IRL
First colours Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current	34 1 (7 February 2019)
Highest	6 (August 1993)
Lowest	70 (June–July 2014)
Elo ranking
Current	43 9 (3 March 2019)
Highest	8 (March–April 1991, April 2002, August 2002)
Lowest	63 (May 1972)
First international
Irish Free State 1–0 Bulgaria  (Colombes, France; 28 May 1924)
Biggest win
Republic of Ireland 8–0 Malta  (Dublin, Ireland; 16 November 1983)
Biggest defeat
Brazil 7–0 Republic of Ireland  (Uberlândia, Brazil; 27 May 1982)
World Cup
Appearances	3 (first in 1990)
Best result	Quarter-finals (1990)
European Championship
Appearances	3 (first in 1988)
Best result	Round of 16 (2016)
Website	fai.ie

The Republic of Ireland national football team (Irish: Foireann peile náisiúnta Phoblacht na hÉireann) is the team that plays for the Republic of Ireland in men's international football matches. It is managed by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

The team first played at the 1924 Summer Olympics, reaching the quarter-finals. For a while, the team was known as the Irish Free State or Éire. During that time, another Irish team also existed, managed by the Irish Football Association (IFA). In 1953, FIFA decided that the FAI team would be called the Republic of Ireland, and the IFA team would be called Northern Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland was the first team from outside the United Kingdom to beat England at home in 1949. They also reached the quarter-finals of the 1964 European Nations' Cup.

Under manager Jack Charlton, the team had its most successful time. They reached their highest ever FIFA world ranking of sixth in 1993. They played in the UEFA Euro 1988 (their first European Championship) and reached the quarter-finals of the 1990 FIFA World Cup (their first World Cup). They also made it to the last 16 at the 1994 World Cup. Later, under Mick McCarthy, they reached the last 16 at the 2002 World Cup. This was repeated at the 2016 Euros by manager Martin O'Neill.

The team's main stadium is the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Their traditional colours are green shirts and white shorts. The current manager is Heimir Hallgrímsson, and Séamus Coleman has been the team captain since 2016.

History of the Team

Early Years (1920s–1980s)

Before 1924, one football team represented all of Ireland. But after Ireland was divided into Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State (which later became the Republic of Ireland), a new football group called the Football Association of the Irish Free State (FAIFS) was formed in Dublin in 1921.

In 1923, FIFA recognized the FAIFS. The Irish Free State team played its first international match at the 1924 Summer Olympics. On May 28, they beat Bulgaria 1–0. Paddy Duncan scored their first goal ever. They reached the quarter-finals but lost to the Netherlands.

On June 14, 1924, the Irish Free State played its first home game against the United States at Dalymount Park. They won 3–1, with Ed Brookes scoring three goals.

The team played its first FIFA World Cup qualifying match on February 25, 1934. They drew 4–4 with Belgium. Paddy Moore scored all four goals for the Free State, becoming the first player to score four goals in a World Cup game.

After 1936, the team was called "Ireland" or "Éire". For a long time, two Irish international teams existed, both claiming to pick players from the whole island. FIFA stepped in in 1953. They decided that the FAI team would be officially called the Republic of Ireland. The other team was named Northern Ireland.

In 1949, the Republic of Ireland made history by beating England 2–0 at Goodison Park. This was the first time England lost at home to a team from outside the UK.

The team reached the quarter-finals of the 1964 European Nations' Cup. They lost to Spain. In 1965, Shay Brennan, who was born outside Ireland but had an Irish parent, was chosen for the team. This opened the door for many players born in England or Scotland to play for the Republic of Ireland.

Mick Meagan became the first permanent manager in 1969. The team struggled under him. Liam Tuohy took over and improved training. Johnny Giles became the first player-manager in the 1970s. The team got better, almost qualifying for the 1978 World Cup. Eoin Hand also nearly led them to the 1982 World Cup.

The Golden Generation (1986–1995)

In 1986, Jack Charlton, an English manager who won the World Cup with England in 1966, became the Republic of Ireland manager. He led the team to its most successful period. Key players included Paul McGrath, Packie Bonner, Niall Quinn, and the Liverpool players Ray Houghton, John Aldridge, and Ronnie Whelan.

Ireland's first big tournament was Euro 1988. They qualified when Scotland beat Bulgaria. In West Germany, Ireland surprised everyone by beating England 1–0 with a goal from Ray Houghton. They drew 1–1 with the Soviet Union and lost 1–0 to the Netherlands. They were very close to reaching the semi-finals.

The team went to the 1990 World Cup in Italy. They drew all three group games against England, Egypt, and the Netherlands. This was enough to reach the knockout stage. The whole country watched as they beat Romania on penalties. Packie Bonner made a great save, and David O'Leary scored the winning penalty. Ireland then lost 1–0 to hosts Italy in the quarter-final. The team even met Pope John Paul II during the tournament!

Republic of Ireland playing the Netherlands at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, where they were eliminated from the 1994 World Cup after losing 2-0

Ireland qualified for the 1994 World Cup in the United States. In their first match, they beat Italy 1–0. Ray Houghton scored the winning goal. They lost to Mexico 2–1 and drew 0–0 with Norway. They reached the second round but lost 2–0 to the Netherlands.

Ireland almost made it to Euro 1996. They lost a play-off match 2–0 to the Netherlands. This was Jack Charlton's last game as manager.

After the Golden Generation (1996–2007)

Mick McCarthy took over as manager. Ireland missed the next two major tournaments. They reached a play-off for the 1998 World Cup but lost to Belgium. FIFA gave the Irish supporters a "Fair Play Award" for their great behavior during these matches.

For Euro 2000, Ireland again reached a play-off, this time against Turkey. They drew 1–1 in Dublin and 0–0 in Turkey, but Turkey qualified because of the away goals rule.

Ireland qualified for the 2002 World Cup. Before the tournament, there was a disagreement between captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy. Keane left the team. Despite this, Ireland drew 1–1 with Cameroon and Germany. They then beat Saudi Arabia 3–0 to reach the knockout stage. They lost to Spain on penalties after a 1–1 draw.

After a tough start to Euro 2004 qualifiers, McCarthy was replaced by Brian Kerr. But the team still didn't qualify for Euro 2004 or the 2006 World Cup. Steve Staunton became manager in 2006. Results were mixed, and they failed to qualify for Euro 2008. Staunton left in 2007.

Recent Years (2008–Present)

Giovanni Trapattoni became manager in 2008. Ireland went unbeaten in their 2010 World Cup qualifying group. However, they lost to France in a play-off. The deciding goal was controversial, as Thierry Henry handled the ball before setting up the goal.

The Ireland players celebrating qualification for UEFA Euro 2012

In 2011, Ireland won the first Nations Cup, beating Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

Ireland qualified for Euro 2012 by beating Estonia 5–1 on aggregate. It was their first major tournament since 2002. However, they lost all three group matches against Croatia, Spain, and Italy. UEFA gave a special award to the Irish fans for their amazing support, even when the team was losing.

Irish team in September 2013

In 2014 World Cup qualifiers, Ireland had their biggest home defeat ever, losing 6–1 to Germany. Trapattoni resigned after the team failed to qualify.

Martin O'Neill became manager in 2013, with Roy Keane as his assistant. They led Ireland to qualify for Euro 2016. On October 8, 2015, Ireland beat world champions Germany 1–0 in a qualifier. Shane Long scored the winning goal. Ireland reached the play-offs and beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 3–1 on aggregate to qualify for the tournament.

At Euro 2016, Ireland drew 1–1 with Sweden (with a goal from Wes Hoolahan), lost 3–0 to Belgium, and then famously beat Italy 1–0 with a late header from Robbie Brady. This win sent them to the round of 16 for the first time in a European Championship. They then lost 2–1 to hosts France, despite an early penalty from Robbie Brady.

Ireland tried to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. They finished second in their group and went to the play-offs. They drew 0–0 with Denmark in the first leg but lost 5–1 at home in Dublin, ending their World Cup hopes.

In 2018, Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane left their roles. Mick McCarthy returned as manager. He led the team in the Euro 2020 qualifiers. Ireland failed to qualify automatically and lost a play-off to Slovakia on penalties.

Stephen Kenny became manager in April 2020. The team drew 1–1 with Bulgaria in his first match. Ireland did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup. In June 2021, Chiedozie Ogbene became the first African-born player to play for the Republic of Ireland.

In UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying, Ireland finished fourth in their group and did not qualify. In October 2023, the Republic of Ireland was confirmed as a co-host for UEFA Euro 2028 with England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, they will still need to play in the qualifying rounds. Stephen Kenny's contract ended in November 2023.

Team Look and Home Stadium

Team Kits

Ireland players (L-R) Robbie Keane, Liam Lawrence, Keith Andrews and Keith Fahey in a 2010 friendly against Algeria

The team usually wears a green shirt, white shorts, and green socks for home games. The away kit is often the reverse. In their first international match in 1924, they wore blue shirts. In 2021, they wore a blue jersey again to celebrate the FAI's 100th birthday.

Different companies have made the team's kits over the years, including Umbro, New Balance, and Castore.

Home Stadium

Aviva Stadium

Since the 1980s, most home matches have been played at Lansdowne Road in Dublin. This stadium was rebuilt and reopened as the Aviva Stadium in 2010. The Aviva Stadium can hold 51,700 fans for competitive games.

While the Aviva Stadium was being built, the team played some games at Croke Park, a large stadium that usually hosts Gaelic games. Croke Park can hold about 74,500 fans for football matches.

Croke Park, the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association, has been used for Irish matches.

Before the 1980s, most home games were played at Dalymount Park. The last international match there was in 1990. The team has also played games in other stadiums in Dublin and in Cork and Limerick.

Coaching Staff

The senior men's management team includes:

Position	Name
Head Coach	Heimir Hallgrímsson
Assistant Head Coach	John O'Shea
Assistant Head Coach	Paddy McCarthy
Goalkeeping coach	Guðmundur Hreiðarsson

Coaching History

Before 1969, a committee usually picked the team. Mick Meagan was the first manager to choose the team himself.

Manager	Career	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Win %	Loss %	Notes
Selection Committee	1924–1931	10	6	1	3	21	13	4	60.0%	30.0%
Lacey, BillBill Lacey	1931–1936	4	1	1	2	12	16	–4	25.0%	50.0%
Harris, ValVal Harris	1932	1	1	0	0	2	0	2	100.0%	0.0%
Selection Committee	1936–1938	6	2	2	2	12	11	1	33.3%	33.3%
Wickham, JoeJoe Wickham	1938	3	2	0	1	7	8	–1	66.7%	33.3%
Selection Committee	1939–1951	23	6	5	12	27	41	–14	26.1%	52.2%
Livingstone, DougDoug Livingstone	1951–1953	6	2	1	3	8	18	–10	33.3%	50.0%
Stevenson, AlexAlex Stevenson	1953–1955	8	5	0	3	15	10	5	62.5%	37.5%
Carey, JohnnyJohnny Carey	1955–1967	46	17	7	22	67	95	−28	37.0%	47.8%	Reached quarter-final stage of 1964 European Nations' Cup
Cantwell, NoelNoel Cantwell	1967	1	0	0	1	0	2	−2	0.0%	100.0%
Hurley, CharlieCharlie Hurley	1967–1969	8	1	3	4	9	13	−4	7.7%	30.8%
Meagan, MickMick Meagan	1969–1971	12	0	3	9	7	26	−19	0.0%	75.0%
Tuohy, LiamLiam Tuohy	1971–1973	10	3	1	6	11	20	−9	30.0%	60.0%
Thomas, SeánSeán Thomas	1973	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	0.0%	0.0%	Caretaker
Giles, JohnnyJohnny Giles	1973–1980	37	14	9	14	49	45	3	37.8%	37.8%
Kelly, Sr., AlanAlan Kelly, Sr.	1980	1	1	0	0	2	0	2	100.0%	0.0%	Caretaker
Hand, EoinEoin Hand	1980–1985	40	11	9	20	47	59	−12	27.5%	50.0%
Charlton, JackJack Charlton	1986–1996	94	47	30	17	128	63	65	50.0%	18.1%	Qualified for Euro 1988, and World Cups 1990 and 1994
McCarthy, MickMick McCarthy	1996–2002	68	29	20	19	112	67	45	42.6%	29.4%	Qualified for 2002 World Cup
Givens, DonDon Givens	2002	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0.0%	0.0%	Caretaker
Kerr, BrianBrian Kerr	2003–2005	33	18	11	4	39	20	19	54.5%	12.1%
Staunton, SteveSteve Staunton	2006–2007	17	6	6	5	24	19	5	35.3%	29.4%
Givens, DonDon Givens	2007–08	2	0	1	1	2	3	−1	0.0%	33.3%	Caretaker
Trapattoni, GiovanniGiovanni Trapattoni	2008–2013	64	26	22	16	86	64	22	40.6%	25.0%	Qualified for Euro 2012
King, NoelNoel King	2013	2	1	0	1	3	4	−1	50.0%	50.0%	Caretaker
O'Neill, MartinMartin O'Neill	2013–2018	55	19	20	16	68	56	12	34.5%	27.3%	Qualified for Euro 2016
McCarthy, MickMick McCarthy	2018–2020	10	5	4	1	13	7	6	50.0%	10.0%
Kenny, StephenStephen Kenny	2020–2023	40	11	12	17	47	41	6	27.5%	42.5%
O'Shea, JohnJohn O'Shea	2024	4	1	1	2	2	5	–3	25.0%	50.0%	Interim
Hallgrímsson, HeimirHeimir Hallgrímsson	2024–	6	2	0	4	3	12	–9	33.3%	66.7%
Total	1924–present	613	237	171	205	824	739	+85	38.7%	33.4%

Player Records

Players in bold are still active with Ireland.

Most Games Played (Caps)

Robbie Keane, who has played the most games and scored the most goals.

Most Goals Scored

Tournament Records

FIFA World Cup

Ireland has played in the FIFA World Cup three times.

• 1990 World Cup: This was Ireland's first time in the World Cup. They drew all their group games and then beat Romania on penalties to reach the quarter-finals. They lost 1–0 to host nation Italy.
• 1994 World Cup: Ireland beat Italy 1–0 in their first game, with Ray Houghton scoring. They reached the second round but lost to the Netherlands.
• 2002 World Cup: Despite a disagreement that led to captain Roy Keane leaving the team, Ireland drew with Cameroon and Germany, then beat Saudi Arabia to reach the round of 16. They lost to Spain on penalties.

Ray Houghton scored against Italy at the 1994 FIFA World Cup

In 2009, Ireland played France in a play-off for the 2010 World Cup. France won with a controversial goal after Thierry Henry handled the ball.

FIFA World Cup Record										Qualification Record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Position
1930	Did not enter									Declined participation
1934	Did not qualify									2	0	1	1	6	9	3/3
1938										2	0	1	1	5	6	2/2
1950										4	1	1	2	6	7	2/3
1954										4	2	0	2	8	6	2/3
1958										4	2	1	1	6	7	2/3
1962										4	0	0	4	3	17	3/3
1966										3	1	0	2	2	5	Lost Play-off
1970										6	0	1	5	3	14	4/4
1974										4	1	1	2	4	5	2/3
1978										4	1	1	2	2	4	3/3
1982										8	4	2	2	17	11	3/5
1986										8	2	2	4	5	10	4/5
1990	Quarter-finals	8th	5	0	4	1	2	3		8	5	2	1	10	2	2/5
1994	Round of 16	15th	4	1	1	2	2	4		12	7	4	1	19	6	2/7
1998	Did not qualify									12	5	4	3	24	11	2/6; Lost Play-off
2002	Round of 16	12th	4	1	3	0	6	3		12	8	3	1	25	6	2/6; Won Play-off
2006	Did not qualify									10	4	5	1	12	5	4/6
2010										12	4	7	1	13	10	2/6; Lost Play-off
2014										10	4	2	4	16	17	4/6
2018										12	5	5	2	13	11	2/6; Lost Play-off
2022										8	2	3	3	11	8	3/5
2026	To be determined									To be determined
2030
2034
Total	Quarter-finals	3/22	13	2	8	3	10	10		149	58	46	45	210	177	—

*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

UEFA European Championship

Irish line up for Ireland's fixture against Italy at Euro 2016

Ireland has played in the European Championship three times.

• Euro 1988: This was Ireland's first European Championship. They beat England 1–0, drew with the Soviet Union, and lost to the Netherlands.
• Euro 2012: Ireland qualified but lost all three group matches. However, their fans were praised for their amazing support.
• Euro 2016: Ireland drew with Sweden, lost to Belgium, and then beat Italy 1–0 to reach the round of 16. They lost to hosts France in a close game.

UEFA European Championship Record										Qualification Record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Position
1960	Did not qualify									2	1	0	1	2	4	Preliminary round
1964										6	2	2	2	9	12	Quarter-finals
1968										6	2	1	3	5	8	3/4
1972										6	0	1	5	3	17	4/4
1976										6	3	1	2	11	5	2/4
1980										8	2	3	3	9	8	3/5
1984										8	4	1	3	20	10	3/5
1988	Group stage	5th	3	1	1	1	2	2		8	4	3	1	10	5	1/5
1992	Did not qualify									6	2	4	0	13	6	2/4
1996										11	5	2	4	17	13	2/6; Lost Play-off
2000										10	5	3	2	15	7	2/5; Lost Play-off
2004										8	3	2	3	10	11	3/5
2008										12	4	5	3	17	14	3/7
2012	Group stage	16th	3	0	0	3	1	9		12	7	4	1	20	8	2/6; Won Play-off
2016	Round of 16	15th	4	1	1	2	3	6		12	6	4	2	22	8	3/6; Won Play-off
2020	Did not qualify									9	3	5	1	7	5	3/5; Lost Play-off
2024										8	2	0	6	9	10	4/5
2028										Qualified as hosts
2032	To be determined									To be determined
Total	Round of 16	3/17	10	2	2	6	6	17		138	55	41	42	199	151	—

Honours and Awards

Images for kids

• 

  The Republic of Ireland national team had a match at Malmö Stadion against Sweden in May 1960.

• Republic of Ireland women's national football team
• Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team
• Republic of Ireland national under-19 football team
• Republic of Ireland national under-17 football team