The Daily Star Ireland
Ireland and Armenia face off in a key World Cup 2026 qualifying clash at the Aviva Stadium, where both nations are adapting to new managerial eras. Ireland enter on a positive note after their spirited 2-2 draw with Hungary, while Armenia seek stability following a difficult start under Yeghishe Melikyan. With Ireland unbeaten in their last three home matches and Armenia struggling defensively, the Boys in Green are favorites to take all three points in Dublin.
Match Preview
This Group D fixture marks an important step for Ireland’s new project under Heimir Hallgrímsson. The Icelandic coach has already injected energy and tactical flexibility into the squad, helping Ireland recover from an early deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Hungary. Evan Ferguson’s clinical finishing and Adam Idah’s late equalizer reflected the side’s renewed attacking edge. Ireland have shown promising signs, scoring in four consecutive games and tightening up defensively since their 2024 slump.
For Armenia, this is a test of resilience. Their 5-0 defeat to Portugal exposed defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of leadership after the retirement of Varazdat Haroyan. New manager Yeghishe Melikyan is attempting to rebuild, integrating emerging players like Narek Aghasaryan and Karen Nalbandyan while relying on creative lynchpins Eduard Spertsyan and Grant-Leon Ranos to spark their attack. However, with cohesion still forming, Armenia face an uphill task in Dublin.
Team Form & Recent Results
Ireland (Last 5 matches): D-W-D-L-W
Goals For: 9 | Goals Against: 5 | Clean Sheets: 1
Ireland’s performances have been characterized by attacking intent and improved teamwork. Ferguson’s composure in front of goal has been crucial, while Matt Doherty and Josh Cullen provide balance between defense and forward transitions. Hallgrímsson’s emphasis on pressing high and playing through the wings has revived the team’s rhythm.
Armenia (Last 5 matches): L-D-L-L-W
Goals For: 4 | Goals Against: 13 | Clean Sheets: 0
Armenia’s defensive instability continues to cost them valuable points. The team has conceded three or more goals in three of their last five games, and their away form remains poor. However, Spertsyan’s creativity and Ranos’ movement in the box remain bright spots.
Head-to-Head Record
The Republic of Ireland have historically dominated this fixture.
Last 5 Meetings:
- Armenia 0–2 Ireland
- Ireland 3–2 Armenia
- Armenia 1–1 Ireland
- Ireland 2–0 Armenia
- Armenia 0–1 Ireland
Aggregate: Ireland 9–3 Armenia
Ireland have won four of the last five encounters, with three clean sheets. Armenia have never beaten Ireland away from home.
Lineups, Injuries & Suspensions
Ireland (expected XI):
Bazunu – Doherty, Collins, O’Shea, McClean – Cullen, Molumby – Knight, Johnston, Idah – Ferguson
Unavailable: Seamus Coleman (injury)
Doubtful: Chiedozie Ogbene (fitness test)
Armenia (expected XI):
Chancharevich – Aghasaryan, Hambardzumyan, Nalbandyan, Terteryan – Spertsyan, Barseghyan, Mkrtchyan – Ranos, Zelarayán, Babayan
Unavailable: Varazdat Haroyan (retired), Styopa Mkrtchyan (injured)
Hallgrímsson is expected to stick with his 4-2-3-1 system, emphasizing overlapping full-backs and quick transitions. Melikyan will likely respond with a cautious 5-4-1, prioritizing defensive solidity.
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Ireland’s strategy centers around structured pressing and exploiting wide spaces. They average 57% possession in qualifiers and create high xG chances through crosses and set pieces. Ferguson’s finishing, combined with Idah’s aerial strength, gives them a multidimensional attack. The midfield duo of Cullen and Molumby provides balance, shielding the defense while allowing full-backs to push forward.
Armenia rely on Spertsyan’s vision and Zelarayán’s dribbling to unlock defenses on the counter. However, their back line struggles against teams with strong aerial presence, an area Ireland are poised to exploit.
Key Players:
- Evan Ferguson (Ireland): Two goals in qualifiers; the team’s main attacking focal point.
- Adam Idah (Ireland): Late-game impact player with strength and composure.
- Eduard Spertsyan (Armenia): Creative force and primary set-piece taker.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
1X2 Odds: Ireland 1.45 | Draw 4.20 | Armenia 7.50
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 1.90 | Under 1.85
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes 2.60 | No 1.48
Betting Trends:
- Ireland unbeaten in their last 3 home matches.
- Armenia have lost 4 of their last 5 qualifiers.
- Both teams scored in just 2 of the last 10 meetings between these sides.
- Ireland have scored 2+ goals in 6 of their last 8 games in Dublin.
Featured Snippet – Quick Facts:
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin (Ireland)
- Kickoff: Friday, 19:45 local time / 20:45 CET
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Expert Tip: Ireland to win and keep a clean sheet offers strong value given Armenia’s recent struggles in attack.
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Live Broadcast: RTÉ2 (Ireland), Armenia TV (Armenia), FIFA+ (international stream)
Kickoff Time:
- 19:45 local (Dublin)
- 20:45 CET
- 14:45 ET (USA/Canada)
Streaming available worldwide on UEFA.tv and select broadcasters.
Prediction: Ireland vs Armenia, 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Ireland’s home advantage, superior organization, and attacking depth give them the upper hand. Armenia will defend deep but may struggle to handle Ireland’s pace and intensity in the final third. Expect Ferguson to continue his scoring run as Hallgrímsson’s men strengthen their qualification bid.
Final Prediction: Ireland 3–0 Armenia
Best Bet: Ireland to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Alternative Value: Ireland to Win to Nil
Ireland should control proceedings from start to finish, delivering a statement win that reflects their growing confidence under Hallgrímsson.
