REPORT | UEFA Regions' Cup | Belarus 2-1 Ireland

Nov 1 2026

A spirited performance went unrewarded as Ireland lost 2-1 to Belarus in their opening game of the 2026-27 UEFA Regions' Cup in the Munster FA Turner's Cross Stadium.

Represented by the Munster region, following their victory in the FAI Amateur Inter-Provincial Tournament in March 2026, Jason Purcell's side started well and were a threat throughout.

Attacker Luke Casey fizzed a volley over on nine minutes to signal Ireland's intent to seize control of this game, which is the first of three to be played in Cork.

Belarus, though, took the lead on 15 minutes when Dzmitry Abrazhevich headed in at the back post following a quick attack that caught Ireland off-guard.

The visitors doubled their lead on 40 minutes, again against the run of play, when Dzmitry Shalupenka lost his marker to meet an in-swinging corner with a deft header.

Ireland deserved more from the opening exchanges and pushed to find their way back into the contest. An effort from Conor Coughlan flew wide when he unloaded from distance.

A bit of magic from Eoin Murphy on 61 minutes saw him dribble past three players before dragging a shot just wide of the Belarus goal.

Two quick-fire chances came on 65 minutes when Murphy fired a shot straight at the opposition goalkeeper before substitute Keelan Crowley went close to converting a cross from John Tamen.

Crowley thought that he had pulled one back on 88 minutes when rising up to meet a cross but his headed effort bounced wide.

Ireland finally got a goal as the clock clicked into added time with Jake Dillon blasting in from the edge of the penalty area.

Next up for Ireland is a game in the same venue on Wednesday, November 4th against Malta, where they will need to win in order to reignite their bid to top Group 8.

Ireland: Craig Dunphy; Jake Dillon, Sean Guerins (Matt Keane 76), Jason Cross, Cian Murphy (John Tamen 60); Adam Conway, Conor Kilgannon; Eoin Murphy, Conor Coughlan (Keelan Crowley 64), Luke Casey; Jack Cairns (Jamie O'Sullivan 60).

Goalscorers: Jake Dillon 90.

Head Coach: Jason Purcell.