Ireland Beat Israel 3-0 in Tense Nations League Encounter

Posted : 28 September 2026

The Republic of Ireland claimed their first UEFA Nations League victory of the campaign with a 3-0 win over Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday, in a match played against a backdrop of tensions surrounding the war in Gaza.

Ireland’s players wore black armbands in recognition of lives lost in the conflict and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem. The traditional pre-match handshakes were also omitted, while the captains did not exchange pennants.

Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the fixture, Ireland settled quickly and effectively put the match beyond Israel in the opening 25 minutes.

Troy Parrott opened the scoring in the 14th minute after James Abankwah created the opportunity on the right. The forward finished through goalkeeper Daniel Peretz to give Ireland the lead.

Two minutes later, Adam Idah doubled the advantage. Jack Moylan supplied the through ball, allowing Idah to race beyond the Israeli defence before calmly finding the net.

Moylan then added a third in the 25th minute to cap a remarkable opening spell. After Israel failed to clear a long kick from goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, Moylan collected the loose ball, drove into the box and fired a low shot into the far corner.

Moylan celebrated by removing his black armband, kissing it and holding it aloft. The Cardiff City midfielder has now scored four goals in as many international appearances.

Israel improved after the interval and came close to reducing the deficit, but Kelleher produced several important saves to preserve Ireland’s clean sheet.

Dor Peretz tested the Irish goalkeeper shortly after the restart, while Eliel Peretz also threatened from distance. Ireland, however, remained in control and created opportunities to add to their lead, with Idah going close late in the game.

The fixture had been preceded by intense debate in Ireland over whether the team should play Israel. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad, saying he believed it would be wrong to participate in the matches against Israel because of the killing of innocent people. The remaining players ultimately voted to fulfil the fixture.

The result gives Ireland their first points of the Nations League campaign after their opening defeat to Kosovo, while Israel were unable to build on their previous result.

Ireland Beat Israel 3-0 in Tense Nations League Encounter

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