Another World Cup will come and go this summer in North America without Ireland, prolonging the nation’s qualification wait to at least 26 years. Here, we reach for the crystal ball to prophesise who are the contenders to be leading Ireland’s charge for that tilt at the start of 2029. Dundalk’s Norwich City-bound centre-back Vinny Leonard was the pick of the defenders representing Ireland at last year’s U17 World Cup. His record as Ireland's youngest U21 goalscorer was smashed last year by Michael Noonan. Ireland’s predicted XI for start of 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign in March 2029.

Source: Irish Examiner March 28, 2026 14:00 UTC