The Football Association of Ireland is delighted to announce that Republic of Ireland Senior Men's National Team Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson has signed a new contract, securing his future with the Association until end of the EURO 2028 campaign.

The new agreement provides stability and clarity ahead of the crucial UEFA European Qualifier Play-Offs in March, where Ireland will face Czechia and potentially either Denmark or North Macedonia for a place at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Hallgrímsson announced the news at his squad announcement press conference today, stating the decision was made to ensure full focus remains on the upcoming fixtures but also to secure the long-term future of the team. 

The new contract comes on the back of a period of excellent progress for the team under Hallgrímsson's leadership. Ireland secured their Play-Off spot after a memorable November window that saw a brilliant 2-0 win over Portugal at the Aviva Stadium, followed up by a 3-2 victory against Hungary in Budapest. 

Those two results capped a strong campaign that has propelled the team to the verge of qualification for a first major tournament since 2016. Under Hallgrimsson's stewardship, Ireland secured five competitive wins in 2025 - the first time this has been achieved since 2011 and 2001 before that. 

The decision to secure Hallgrímsson’s future underscores the FAI's long-term strategic vision, not only for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 but also looking ahead to the UEFA European Championships in 2028, which will be co-hosted by the UK & Ireland, with seven games set to take place in Dublin.

Speaking on his new contract, Heimir Hallgrímsson said: "I am incredibly proud and delighted to commit my future to the Republic of Ireland. I have always said that we are on a journey together —the players, the staff, and our incredible supporters. I can see the real progress we are making and the huge potential in this group, so it was an easy decision for me to make. Signing this now, before the Play-Offs, is a statement of our shared belief and allows us to focus 100% on the massive task ahead of us in March without any distractions. I really believe that we are on a continuous journey in the right direction and I'd like to thank the Association for showing their belief in me to take the team forward."

FAI CEO, David Courell, said: "We are thrilled to secure Heimir for the long term. He has brought a clear vision, a strong tactical identity, and a sense of belief back to the Senior Men's National Team. This new contract provides the stability and leadership required to achieve our ambitious goals, not just in the upcoming Play-Offs but as we build towards a historic home tournament at EURO 2028. It is a statement of our intent and our confidence in the direction Heimir is taking us."

FAI Director of Football, John Martin, said: "Since my appointment, I have built a great working relationship with Heimir, and it was immediately clear that we share the same values and a clear vision for the future of Irish football. We are aligned on our aims, from strengthening our pathways right up to our senior international teams. Heimir’s commitment to a 'whole game' approach is vital for our long-term success, and I am delighted that we will continue to work together to drive Irish football forward."