Seamus Coleman omitted from Republic of Ireland squad for World Cup qualifiers

Seamus Coleman has not been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for next month’s World Cup qualifying fixtures against Hungary and Armenia.

The 36-year-old defender sat out June’s friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg due to injury, and although he has returned to full fitness and was named on Everton’s bench for both of their Premier League matches this season, he remains unused. Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has nevertheless decided not to recall his long-serving captain.

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Hallgrímsson told reporters that the Killybegs man’s lack of game time meant he could not be included adding that he informed Coleman, in person, at Everton’s training ground last weekend. 

“He is close to playing, he is in the squad, his numbers in training are good. He really wants to come and help us, he knows the importance of this camp.

“It shows his mental strength as well coming from a bad injury and just returning back to the Premier League.

“Hopefully he’ll get his minutes. He might even play League Cup tomorrow. But once he starts playing, we really want to have him in the squad. But it would just be a wrong example - a player who hasn’t played in almost a year.

“It’s always tough to leave Séamus out no matter what. There is not many here with the experience he has. 

“We really wanted to include him and hopefully next camp he’ll be in the squad. You’d always want a player with his quality and experience to be in the squad.”

Ireland host Hungary in Dublin on 6 September before travelling to face Armenia on 9 September. The matches mark the beginning of their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, with Portugal completing their group.