As the snowball rolls and expands all the way to September, it’s silly to imagine this will remain a small squabble between Ireland and Israel. Playing Israel is a specific choice. Not playing Israel is a specific choice. Former French international Patrick Vieira shows up the card for Israel during the 2026/27 Uefa Nations League phase Group B draw ceremony. If Ireland don’t play Israel, it will be because there is an overwhelming push from good people who couldn’t abide playing football against the country that the UN itself says carried out a genocide in Gaza.

Source: The Irish Times February 21, 2026 19:32 UTC