Kosovo vs Republic of Ireland Tips & Predictions – Points Shared in the UEFA Nations League
Both teams, coming off narrow defeats in their respective World Cup Qualifying playoffs, are set for a rematch this Thursday. Given their recent performances and competitive parity, a tightly contested clash is anticipated, with neither side expected to secure a win. The key takeaway is a prediction of another stalemate, highlighting the evenly matched nature of the teams. Fans can expect an intense and balanced game, likely ending in a draw.
- Both sides were close to qualifying for the World Cup 2026
- We are predicting a stalemate in Prishtina on Thursday
- Check our full preview for Kosovo vs Republic of Ireland below
Republic of Ireland found consistency in their 2026 friendlies. Little separates these two sides at the moment, and I am predicting a scoring draw in Prishtina.
- Key Stats
- No Previous Meetings
- Kosovo Almost Made it to the World Cup 2026
- Visitors Were Also One Step Away from Qualifying
- Team News & Predicted Lineups
Key Stats
- Kosovo are winless in 3 of their last 5 matches.
- Republic of Ireland have drawn 3 of their last 5 matches.
No Previous Meetings
This is going to be the first head to head match between these two nations.
Kosovo Almost Made it to the World Cup 2026
Kosovo were close to making it to the World Cup for the first time in nation's history, beating Slovakia 4-3 in the playoff semifinals in Bratislava in late March.
A couple of days later, they hosted Turkey in the grand finals and lost 1-0 in Prishtina where veteran Vedat Muriqi missed a huge chance to score an equalizer in the second half.
Franco Foda's side played two friendly matches in late May and early June, suffering a 2-1 road loss against the Czech Republic, while beating Andorra 3-0 at home.
Visitors Were Also One Step Away from Qualifying
Like their upcoming opponents, Republic of Ireland also made it to the WC 2026 qualifying playoffs and defeated Hungary 3-2 in the semifinals after a dramatic comeback.
Ireland locked horns against the Czech Republic in the finals, wasted a 2-0 lead (took them just 23 minutes to score twice) and lost on penalties after regular time ended 2-2.
Results in their international friendlies this year were solid, registering draws against North Macedonia 0-0 and Canada 1-1, while beating Granada 5-0 and Qatar 1-0 (both wins in Dublin).
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Kosovo (4-2-3-1) Arijanet Muric; Mergim Vojvoda, Amir Rrahmani, Fidan Aliti, Leart Paqarada; Valon Berisha, Elvis Rexhbecaj; Edon Zhegrova, Bersant Celina, Milot Rashica; Vedat Muriqi
Florent Muslija, Kreshnik Hajrizi, Dardan Shabanhaxhaj, and Fisnik Asllani were out of contention for these matches due to injuries. Veteran Vedat Muriqi (68 appearances, 32 goals) is expected to lead the attack.
Florent Muslija, Kreshnik Hajrizi, Dardan Shabanhaxhaj, and Fisnik Asllani were out of contention for these matches due to injuries. Veteran Vedat Muriqi (68 appearances, 32 goals) is expected to lead the attack.
Republic of Ireland (5-3-2) Caoimhin Kelleher; Jake O'Brien, Dara O'Shea, Liam Kitching, James Abankwah, Ryan Manning; Jason Knight, Jayson Molumby, Finn Azaz; Chiedozie Ogbene, Troy Parrott
Captain Nathan Collins, Evan Ferguson, Josh Cullen, Jack Taylor, Harvey Vale, Mikey Johnston, and Jamie McGrath are ruled out due to injuries. Troy Parrott has been in excellent form lately, scoring a lot of important goals for Real Betis.
Captain Nathan Collins, Evan Ferguson, Josh Cullen, Jack Taylor, Harvey Vale, Mikey Johnston, and Jamie McGrath are ruled out due to injuries. Troy Parrott has been in excellent form lately, scoring a lot of important goals for Real Betis.
Verdict
Both sides made it to the WC Qualifying playoffs and lost narrowly. I am predicting a close encounter to finish without a winner on Thursday.
Draw
Full-Time Result
@21/10 - 2 Units
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With a particular love for the English Premier League, he's been writing about sports online for more than a decade since completing a degree in literature and sports journalism.
The primary areas of focus include top European football leagues (mainly EPL, La Liga, Serie A & Bundesliga), basketball (EuroLeague, NBA & WNBA), Handball and Volleyball.
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