UEFA Nations League draw: Republic of Ireland’s potential opponents

The UEFA Nations League draw takes place this Thursday, February 8 where the Republic of Ireland will discover their opponents for the September, October and November international windows.

The 2022-23 Nations League campaign saw the Boys in Green remain in League B after they finished in third place behind Ukraine and Scotland – who gained promotion to League A.

The FAI are still on the search for a manager following Stephen Kenny’s departure last November. England under-21 head coach Lee Carsley is the reported frontrunner while former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has also been linked to the Irish job.

Before the competitive action kicks back into gear later this year, the new head coach will have friendly fixtures in March and June to prepare their squad.

Belgium (March 23) and Switzerland (March 26) travel to Dublin to play in the Aviva Stadium next month before the Boys in Green host Hungary on June 4. Seven days later Ireland will be in Portugal to face Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. in Aveiro on June 11.

Paris hosts tomorrow’s Nations League draw at 5pm (Irish time). Here are Ireland’s potential opponents:

Pot 1: Austria, Czech Republic, England, Wales

Pot 2: Finland, Ukraine, Iceland, Norway

Pot 3: Slovenia, Republic of Ireland, Albania, Montenegro

Pot 4: Georgia, Greece, Turkey, Kazakhstan

*Ireland will be drawn against one team from Pot 1, Pot 2 and Pot 4 – but only one of Ireland, England, Wales or Iceland can be drawn to face Kazakhstan due to travel restrictions.