Séamus Coleman selection borderline as Hallgrimsson set to name Ireland squad

Topping a World Cup qualification group also featuring Portugal, Hungary, and Armenia would book a direct ticket to the 48-team extravaganza in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Ireland face Hungary on September 6 and then Armenia on September 9. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Here we go, to borrow Fabrizio Romano’s catchline.

Tuesday marks the beginning of Ireland’s World Cup journey, the first matches encompassing qualification jeopardy since June 2023.