Ireland vs Qatar prediction 28.05.2026 | International Friendly

Ireland come into Thursday’s international friendly fixture looking to build on a commanding 5:0 friendly win against Grenada last week. Jack Moylan bagged a hat-trick as Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side strolled to victory.

Since their painful penalty shootout defeat in their World Cup playoff final against Czechia  in March, Ireland also claimed a goalless draw against North Macedonia.

Much improved under their Icelandic boss, Ireland are unbeaten in their last six games (90 minutes) while they have picked up victories in three of their last four home international fixtures.

Head coach Hallgrímsson has an inexperienced squad available this week.Tondela midfielder Joe Hodge is among eight uncapped players included in the selection.

Qatar arrive in Ireland after a six-month layoff since their poor performance at the Arab Cup last year. 

Julen Lopetegui’s side struggled to make an impact, picking up just one point from three group fixtures. The Qatari’s slipped to a 1:0 defeat against Palestine, and a 3:0 defeat against Tunisia as they returned home with only a draw against Syria (1:1) to show for their efforts.

Over a longer period, the Asians have won just one of ten international matches since May 2025. Six of those matches ended in defeat.

Head coach Lopetegui has a 28-man squad available for Qatar’s upcoming friendlies against Ireland and El Salvador. Hassan Al-Haydos is included in an experienced selection that includes 11 players with 50 caps or more.