Republic of Ireland Squad Announced for World Cup Qualifiers
Seamus Coleman has been omitted from the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Armenia next month.
The 36-year-old defender missed the friendly matches in June against Senegal and Luxembourg due to injury. Although he has returned to fitness, Coleman has not seen any action in Everton's two Premier League games this season, remaining an unused substitute.
Despite his recovery, manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has decided not to include the squad captain in the roster.
In contrast, Ipswich Town's Chiedozie Ogbene, who has been sidelined since October 2024 with an Achilles tendon injury, has made a return to the 23-man squad.
The 28-year-old is part of a group of eight forwards that includes his club teammates Sammie Szmodics and Kasey McAteer, along with Evan Ferguson, who recently made his Serie A debut in AS Roma's 1-0 victory over Bologna on Saturday.
Robbie Brady from Preston North End and Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone are both unavailable due to injury.
Uncapped Stoke City defender Bosun Lawal retains his place in the squad after his initial call-up for the draw with Luxembourg.
The Republic of Ireland will face Hungary in Dublin on September 6, followed by an away match against Armenia three days later.
These fixtures will mark the beginning of Ireland's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, which also includes Portugal in their group.
Republic of Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford), Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Mark Travers (Everton).
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jake O'Brien (Everton), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Jimmy Dunne (Queens Park Rangers), Bosun Lawal (Stoke City), Liam Scales (Celtic), Ryan Manning (Southampton).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Killian Phillips (St. Mirren).
Attackers: Evan Ferguson (AS Roma), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Adam Idah (Celtic), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Kasey McAteer (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).