Pressure is mounting on Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson after a disastrous start to the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, with former international Kevin Kilbane declaring that Hallgrímsson’s “days are numbered” following a string of underwhelming performances. As the Boys in Green prepare for critical Group F encounters against Portugal and Armenia, the mood in Irish football circles is one of frustration, uncertainty, and growing calls for change at the top.
The sense of crisis has been brewing since last month, when Ireland’s World Cup hopes took a severe hit in Yerevan. Facing Armenia away, Hallgrímsson’s side stumbled to a 2-1 defeat—a result Kilbane, a veteran of 110 caps and a participant in some of the national team’s toughest nights, described as one of the worst performances he can recall. "The game against Armenia is one of the worst performances I can remember by an Irish team, and I hold my hands up as I was a part of some awful performances myself," Kilbane admitted, speaking to Best New Bingo Sites.
This painful loss followed a disappointing 2-2 draw at home against Hungary, where Ireland had to claw back for a point. For Kilbane, the result was more a stroke of luck than a testament to the team’s quality. "We have to be beating sides like Hungary, and to start the way we did in that game and get out of jail with a point was fairly lucky," he noted. The accumulation of these results has left Ireland’s qualification hopes for the 2026 World Cup in tatters, with just two games played and only a single point to show for their efforts.
Looking ahead, the challenge doesn’t get any easier. Ireland must now face Group F leaders Portugal in Lisbon on Saturday, October 11, followed by a home clash with Armenia at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, October 14. The mathematics are stark: at least three points are needed from these fixtures to keep any realistic hope of qualifying alive. Kilbane, however, is not optimistic. "I think we’re done now. I don’t think we’ll be at the World Cup next year. The way we performed in those last two games against Hungary and Armenia was unacceptable, and it has cost us our chance of qualifying," he stated bluntly.
He continued, "I think we are done when it comes to qualifying for the World Cup unless by some miracle, we can beat both Portugal and Armenia this week. We might beat Armenia at home, but I can’t see us getting any change out of Portugal. We now have to chase points and games, and judging from our last two performances, I’d be shocked if we made the World Cup." It’s a sentiment echoed by many Irish supporters, who have watched the national team’s fortunes wane over recent campaigns.
While much of the immediate focus is on Hallgrímsson’s future, Kilbane is adamant that the problems run deeper than just the man in the dugout. "A lot needs to be done structurally in Irish football; a new coach isn’t going to fix the national team overnight. The system in place hasn’t been good enough for some time now, and changes need to be made," he emphasized. According to Kilbane, the lack of top-quality players emerging from the domestic system has hampered Ireland’s ability to compete on the international stage. "We haven’t been able to produce enough top-quality players to compete internationally. But I did see recently that there has been more funding granted for League of Ireland clubs, which can only help matters. It’s all about the development of talent."
Despite these systemic shortcomings, the conversation around Hallgrímsson’s position is intensifying. Kilbane, who starred in Ireland’s last successful World Cup qualification for the 2002 tournament, believes the writing is on the wall for the current manager. "I think Heimir Hallgrímsson knows now that his days are numbered after the last few performances. Those are the types of performances that ultimately get you fired as a coach, so I’m sure he’s well aware of his situation," Kilbane remarked.
With speculation swirling, attention has quickly turned to who might be next in line for one of Irish football’s most scrutinized roles. Kilbane has named several potential successors, including some of the country’s most recognizable football figures. "In the immediate aftermath of those games, everyone was talking about Damien Duff, Chris Hughton, Roy Keane or even Robbie Keane becoming the next manager. I think Robbie will definitely come into the mix with the job he continues to do at Ferencváros. So, I wouldn’t be shocked if he got the job if he wants it," Kilbane explained.
Of all the candidates, Kilbane has a personal preference: "I’d personally like to see an Irishman in charge of the national team, and Chris Hughton is probably the most qualified. They have tried a lot of different approaches in recent years, but we need changes now if we want to earn the right to play on the biggest stages of international football." The desire for an Irish manager at the helm is shared by many fans, who feel a homegrown leader may be better equipped to understand and address the unique challenges facing the national team.
As the debate rages on, there is at least some optimism in the news of increased funding for the League of Ireland clubs. This boost is aimed at improving talent development and could, over time, help address the structural issues that have plagued Irish football for years. Kilbane is hopeful this investment will bear fruit, but cautions that patience and further reforms are needed if Ireland is to return to the heights of previous generations.
For now, all eyes are on the upcoming fixtures against Portugal and Armenia. The stakes could hardly be higher. If Ireland is to salvage its World Cup campaign, it must deliver results against formidable opposition—something that, based on recent form, seems a tall order. Hallgrímsson’s future may hinge on these next two games, but as Kilbane and others have pointed out, the solution to Ireland’s woes will require more than just a managerial change.
As the Boys in Green prepare for their date with destiny in Lisbon, the sense of urgency is palpable. The Irish faithful will be hoping for a miracle, but many are already starting to look beyond this campaign, pondering what the future holds for their beloved team. One thing is certain: change is coming, both on and off the pitch, as Ireland seeks to reclaim its place among football’s elite.
