MU15 | World Cup experience part of players’ development

Oct 30 2026

The Ireland Men’s Under-15 squad are bound to benefit from their involvement in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The inaugural tournament was played in an 8v8 format, with two 20-minute halves in each game. This gave all 14 players in the Ireland squad valuable game-time as they faced opposition from five different continents.

Across 10 games in six days, Ireland scored 29 goals and recorded victories over Montenegro, Zimbabwe, England, Cambodia, Northern Ireland, Cameroon and Cymru.

Participation in the tournament forms part of the players’ ongoing development, building on the guidance they have received from grassroots, League of Ireland Academy and FAI National Pathways Programme coaches.

FAI International Coach Graham Gartland said: “The performances of all 14 players throughout this tournament have been outstanding, but so too has been their attitude and approach to every aspect of the experience. They deserve huge credit for that.

“The opportunity to represent their country is something the players fully embraced. It was clear in the lead-up to the tournament and throughout that they each take great pride in being Irish. The togetherness they showed as a group was evident in everything they did, both on and off the pitch.

“Every game presented a different challenge, but the players responded positively and continued to try to play their football. That approach is why they achieved so many excellent and well-deserved results.

“It’s also important to acknowledge the support of the family members who travelled out to Azerbaijan, the staff who accompanied the squad, FAI personnel back in Ireland and the various clubs that have played such an important role in the players’ development.

“This experience will stand to each of the players and give them something to build on as they continue along the player pathway. The future is certainly bright for this group of players, but also for Irish football.”

Ireland Men’s Under-15 Squad
Goalkeepers: Davin Quinn (Shamrock Rovers), Jake Morgan (Coleraine)

Defenders: Jaidee Foley (Cork City), Tom Casey (Shamrock Rovers), Gearoid Moran (Shelbourne), Robert Morgan (St. Patrick’s Athletic)

Midfielders: Fionnán Ó’Snodaigh (Bray Wanderers), Joe Manicle (Shamrock Rovers), Billy Carney (Waterford), Harry Rehill (Shamrock Rovers)

Forwards: Fionn McCormack Crowe (Shamrock Rovers), Darragh Nolan (Shelbourne), Conor Hudson (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Nathan Power (Waterford)

Staff: Graham Gartland, Richie Smith (International Coaches), Dylan O’Neill (Goalkeeping Coach), Dr. John Browne (Team Doctor), Seamus McWalter (Physio), Andy Byrne (Equipment Officer), Alan O’Halloran (Team Operations Manager)

Goalscorers
9 – Harry Rehill
6 – Conor Hudson
5 – Nathan Power
4 – Tom Casey
3 – Fionn McCormack Crowe
2 – Billy Carney, Darragh Nolan
1 – Gearoid Moran, Fionnán Ó’Snodaigh

Clean Sheet
1 – Davin Quinn