Kildare's Collins and Travers named in Ireland squad for World Cup qualifying games

Leixlip’s Nathan Collins and Maynooth’s Mark Travers are among a 23-man squad named by Republic of Ireland Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying matches against Hungary and Armenia.

Collins has been named captain of Brentford this season by the new manager there, and former Ireland international Keith Andrews, and he drew rave reviews for his performance last weekend as the Bees earned their first three points of the season against Aston Villa.

His inclusion is no surprise in Hallgrímsson’ squad and he will continue to be a key man in the Ireland team.

Travers is one of three goalkeepers in the squad, with Gavin Bazunu returning after a long term injury. He was on the move over the summer when he signed for Everton from Bournemouth. He was on the bench on Sunday as Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford saved a penalty during their 2-0 win over Brighton but Travers will be expected to get gametime in the Carabao Cup this week when the Toffees host Mansfield Town.

Travers and Bazunu are likely to act as back up, however, to Caoimhín Kelleher who joined Collins and Andrews at Brentford the summer and who kept his first clean sheet in that win over Villa.

Elsewhere in the squad, as well as the return of Bazunu, Chiedozie Ogbene also returns for the first time since October 2024 following his recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture.

The squad also features strikers Troy Parrott and Evan Ferguson, who both arrive in camp full of confidence. Parrott's form has been exceptional, with 10 goals, including scoring in seven consecutive matches, a new record for AZ Alkmaar, while Ferguson made a fantastic start to his loan spell, earning a Man of the Match award on his Serie A debut for AS Roma in their 1-0 win over Bologna.

In defence, there is a call-up for Stoke City’s Bosun Lawal, who has impressed for the early Championship leaders, alongside Queens Park Rangers defender Jimmy Dunne, who earned his first cap in March. In midfield, Burnley captain Josh Cullen returns to the squad after he was rested for the summer friendlies, having scored in a 2-0 win over Sunderland at the weekend, and is joined by Jason Knight, Killian Phillips and Jack Taylor.

Ireland are set to welcome Hungary to the Aviva Stadium for the opening game of the campaign on Saturday, September 6th (7:45pm KO for the start of the qualification series for next summer’s World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico. Following the home fixture, Ireland will travel to Yerevan to face Armenia on Tuesday, September 9th (5:00pm KO, 8:00pm local).

Republic of Ireland Squad - Hungary & Armenia Goalkeepers: Caoimhín Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton).

Defenders: Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Bosun Lawal (Stoke City), Liam Scales (Celtic), Ryan Manning (Southampton).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Killian Phillips (St. Mirren).

Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Celtic), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).

Fixtures - FIFA World Cup 26 Qualifying 

06/09 - Rep of Ireland v Hungary, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm 

09/09 - Armenia v Rep of Ireland, Republican Stadium, 5pm (8pm local)