Ireland vs Qatar LIVE: Nathan Collins scores the opener! International friendly ahead of 2026 World Cup (1-0)

Ireland try again as Moylan swings a cross toward Scales. The ball takes a deflection in the box and rolls out over the end line for a corner.

Ireland try to float the ball into the box from a set piece, but Qatar’s defense reacts well and clears the danger.

A long ball is played from the back and flicked on toward Jack Moylan, but he’s caught offside as he tries to break in behind the Qatar defense.

O’Brien sends a long throw straight into the box, but Qatar clear it out of play, giving Ireland another throw-in high up the pitch.

Qatar work the ball through midfield, and a clever flick from Yusuf Abdurisag opens a window for Akram Afif to have a look at goal.

After a messy sequence inside the box,, Jayson Molumby tries his luck from distance, but the shot lacks power and ends up safely in the hands of Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada.

Players head to the sidelines for the hydration break. Ireland remain in control after a strong opening spell, while Qatar look to regroup before play resumes.

Republic of Ireland 1-0 Qatar. Troy Parrott tries to curl one toward the far post, and it whistles narrowly wide as the home side continue pushing for a second.

Ireland continue to dictate the pace, keeping Qatar pinned back as they circulate the ball with confidence. The visitors struggle to connect passes under pressure, while the home side look comfortable managing the early lead.

Ireland keep the pressure on. Troy Parrott takes his chance from long range, but the effort drifts beyond the end line as Qatar regain possession.

Ireland keep pushing and win another corner as the pressure builds in the final third. Play is momentarily paused, though, with Al Alawi receiving medical attention on the field before the set piece can be taken.

Boualem Khoukhi steps in with a superb tackle to deny Troy Parrott, preventing him from bursting into the box and getting a clear look at goal.

A dangerous foul on Moylan gives Ireland a prime opportunity, and they capitalize immediately. From the resulting set piece, captain Nathan Collins rises above everyone and powers a brilliant header into the net, putting Ireland in front early at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland earn the first corner of the match, but the delivery is mishit and Qatar quickly recover possession to reset play.

In the opening minutes, possession has been split between Ireland and Qatar, with both sides battling for control as the match begins to settle.

The match between Ireland and Qatar is underway at the Aviva Stadium!

Both teams are on the field for the national anthems at the Aviva Stadium. The atmosphere builds as Ireland and Qatar line up before kickoff in this international friendly.

Players from both sides are out on the pitch at the Aviva Stadium going through their warm‑up routines as we get closer to kickoff.

Here’s how both teams compare ahead of today’s international friendly:

• Ireland: 1 win
• Draws: 1
• Qatar: 0 wins

Previous Meetings:

October 12, 2021 – Friendly International  

• Ireland 4‑0 Qatar

March 30, 2021 – Friendly International  

• Qatar 1‑1 Ireland

Today’s action takes place at the Aviva Stadium, home of the Republic of Ireland national team. With a capacity of over 50,000 spectators, it stands as one of Europe’s most modern and atmospheric venues, a fitting stage for this World Cup‑focused friendly.

Qatar’s starting XI: Mahmoud Abunada; Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi (C), Issa Laye, Homam Al Amin; Jassim Gaber, Ahmed Fathy, Edmilson Junior; Akram Afif, Ayoub Al Alawi, Youssef Abdurisag.

Ireland’s starting XI: Caoimhin Kelleher; Seamus Coleman, Dara O’Shea, Nathan Collins (C), Jake O’Brien, Liam Scales; Jayson Molumby, Jamie McGrath; Jack Moylan, Chiedozie Ogbene, Troy Parrott.

The match will be officiated by Jamie Robinson, who serves as the central referee for this international friendly at the Aviva Stadium. The rest of the officiating crew also comes from Northern Ireland.

Full officiating team:

• Referee: Jamie Robinson (Northern Ireland)
• Assistant Referee 1: Andrew Nethery (Northern Ireland)
• Assistant Referee 2: Adam Jeffrey (Northern Ireland)
• Fourth Official: Tim Marshall (Northern Ireland)

The match between Ireland and Qatar is scheduled to start at 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

In the United States, the match is being broadcast on FS2, with live streaming available via the FOX Sports App.

Welcome to our live blog! This time, Ireland host Qatar in an international friendly as both teams continue their preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Stay with us for all the action and minute‑by‑minute updates of this matchup in Dublin.