Republic of Ireland host Qatar at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday evening in a friendly that still carries importance for both sides.
Heimir Hallgrimsson's Ireland are looking to respond after their World Cup play off defeat to Czechia in March, while Qatar continue preparations ahead of this summer's World Cup in North America. Despite the friendly label, both sides have clear objectives heading into the game.
Ireland head into Thursday with strong recent attacking numbers. Their 5-0 win over Grenada on 16 May highlighted a side continuing to create chances despite missing out on World Cup qualification.
Hallgrimsson has settled on a 3-4-3 system since late 2025 and it has brought improved performances, including wins over Portugal, Hungary and Armenia. Ireland have also looked stronger at the Aviva Stadium and a large home crowd is expected.
Qatar arrive after a difficult run of results. They have suffered defeats against Zimbabwe, Lebanon, Russia and Uzbekistan in recent matches, while defensive problems have remained a recurring issue. Akram Afif remains their key creative player and Almoez Ali continues to lead the line, but Qatar have conceded in each of their last five friendly matches.
How the bookies view it
Odds unavailable at the time of writing. Markets may be available closer to kick off.
Head to head: Ireland have controlled previous meetings
Ireland hold the advantage across the previous two meetings with one win and one draw. The strongest reference point remains the 4-0 win at the Aviva Stadium in October 2021, where Callum Robinson scored a hat trick and Qatar struggled throughout.
The earlier meeting in March 2021 finished 1-1 on neutral ground and remains the only occasion Qatar have avoided defeat against Ireland. Qatar have also failed to keep a clean sheet in either match.
Player to watch: Troy Parrott to score
Troy Parrott heads into Thursday carrying one of the strongest player profiles on the card. The AZ Alkmaar striker has scored 32 goals from 126 shots and 60 shots on target across 49 appearances this season, combining volume with efficiency in front of goal.
His international numbers also support the angle. Parrott scored seven goals during Ireland's qualifying campaign, including goals against Portugal, Hungary, Armenia and Czechia. He also registered three shots on target in the play off defeat to Czechia, continuing to look Ireland's main attacking threat.
Qatar's expected back line has struggled in recent friendlies and a defence that conceded four goals at this stadium in 2021 faces a striker arriving in strong form. With Parrott leading the line in Hallgrimsson's system, the case for him to score looks strong.
Predicted line ups
Republic of Ireland 3-4-3: Kelleher, Collins, O'Shea, O'Brien, Scales, Molumby, Hodge, Ogbene, Moylan, Parrott, Melia.
Qatar 4-4-2: Barsham, Al Aloui, Khoukhi, Al Hussain, Junior, Afif, Boudiaf, Madibo, El Amin, Hatem, Alaa.
Anything else catch the eye?
Ireland to win is supported by both the recent form and the wider numbers. Qatar have won only five of their last 20 matches and hold a goal difference of minus 17 across that period, reflecting a side that has struggled against stronger opposition.
Ireland have also lost only three of their last 10 home internationals and their attacking process at home remained strong throughout qualification, averaging 2.17 goals per game. Home advantage, stronger recent performances and Qatar's defensive issues gives Ireland the edge on Thursday evening.
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