Ireland drawn with Portugal or Denmark, Hungary and Armenia for 2026 World Cup

The Republic of Ireland will face some familiar foes in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup as they have been drawn in the same group as Hungary and Armenia, as well as the winners of the Nations League playoff between Portugal and Denmark While there will be relief in the Irish camp at having avoided a five-team group, which would have complicated the calendar planned for 2025 by manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, the prospect of facing either Portugal or Denmark will be daunting although with that comes some hope that results could be managed against Hungary and Armenia.

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Lionel Messi rules out playing at 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi has confirmed that he will not play at the next World Cup – set to be held in the US, Canada and Mexico in 2026 – to Chinese media outlet Titan Sports. Messi finally got his hands on the only major piece of silverware that had alluded him in his illustrious career when leading his country all the way at Qatar 2022.

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