Kosovo vs Rep. Of Ireland: Nations League Opener

The UEFA Nations League returns with a bang as Kosovo host Republic of Ireland in League B – Group 1 on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 18:45 UTC. Both teams will be eager to make a strong start in their quest for promotion, setting the stage for a tense and tactical encounter.

Form Guide

Neither Kosovo nor Republic of Ireland have played any recent matches, making it difficult to assess their current form. Both teams will be looking to hit the ground running in their Nations League campaign, with everything to play for in this opening fixture.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first-ever meeting between Kosovo and Republic of Ireland, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Thursday’s clash. With no historical baggage to draw upon, both sides will be focused solely on securing a vital three points.

Team News & Injuries

Neither Kosovo nor Republic of Ireland have reported any injuries ahead of this match, meaning both teams should be at full strength for their Nations League opener. This raises the stakes even higher, as managers will have their best players available to make an immediate impact.

The Odds

According to William Hill, Kosovo are slight favourites at 2.40, while both a draw and a Republic of Ireland win are priced at 3.00. These odds reflect the tight nature of this contest, with little separating the two sides on paper.

Our Prediction

With both teams equally matched and no clear form guide to follow, this could well end in a hard-fought draw. Our prediction: Kosovo 1-1 Republic of Ireland. Expect a gritty, competitive encounter as both sides aim to lay down an early marker in their Nations League campaign.

Odds are informational, correct at time of publishing and subject to change. 18+, please gamble responsibly.

📰 Full-time: read the complete match report.