For the second year in a row, the Ireland Men’s Under-17s are travelling to Qatar to compete in the FIFA Men’s Under-17 World Cup.

In their first involvement in the tournament, Ireland topped their group with wins over Panama and Uzbekistan, as well as a draw with Paraguay, before overcoming Canada in the knock-out stages to reach the Round of 16.

In the 2026 edition, Ireland have been drawn in Group I, alongside Brazil (Saturday, November 21st), Costa Rica (Tuesday, November 24th) and Tanzania (Friday, November 27th), as they look to progress further in the competition.

Two players carry over from the 2025 panel in goalkeeper George Moloney and defender Sean Spaight, while 10 different League of Ireland clubs are represented in the 21-player squad.

FAI International Lead Coach John Cotter will be joined by Mark Connors, Keith O’Halloran, Joey O’Brien and Richard Fitzgibbon as part of an experienced coaching team, supported by a highly skilled backroom staff.

Ireland Men’s Under-17 Squad

Goalkeepers: George Moloney (Southampton), Darragh Brunton (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Xander Grieves (Southampton)

Defenders: Sean Spaight (Dundalk), Maxim Afonin (Shamrock Rovers), Kian Quigley (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Jayden Marshall (Como 1907), Danny Burke (Shamrock Rovers), Josh O’Connor (St. Patrick’s Athletic)

Midfielders: Cillian Murphy (Cork City), Josh O’Dwyer (RB Salzburg), Ryan Sheridan (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Jayden Goad (UCD), Richard Ferizaj (Bray Wanderers), Tom McGrath (Cork City)

Forwards: Hugh Martin (Bohemians), Ronan Keating (Galway United), Corey Fay (Shamrock Rovers), Joey Wuna (Shelbourne), Joe Byrne (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Desmond Armstrong (FC Lorient)

Staff: John Cotter (International Lead Coach), Mark Connors (International Coach), Keith O’Halloran (International Coach), Joey O’Brien (Coach), Richard Fitzgibbon (Goalkeeping Coach), Shane Nolan (Perfomance Analyst), Jack O’Toole (Performance Coach), Dr. Ravi Kumar (Team Doctor), Mark Cornish (Physio), Shane Elliott (Equipment Manager), Aoibh Hall (Operations Team Manager).

FIFA Men’s Under-17 World Cup – Group I

Saturday, November 21st | Brazil MU17 v Ireland MU17 | Aspire Zone, Al Rayyan, Qatar | KO 18:00
Tuesday, November 24th | Costa Rica MU17 v Ireland MU17 | Aspire Zone, Al Rayyan, Qatar | KO 15:30
Friday, November 27th | Ireland MU19 v Tanzania MU17 | Aspire Zone, Al Rayyan, Qatar | KO 17:00