Republic of Ireland bring up the rear in Group F of World Cup qualification (WCQ) and know this clash with Armenia is simply a ‘must win’ if they’re to keep their play-off hopes alive.
Match News and Current Form
Bottom of the group with just a single point to their name after three games (D1, L2), things couldn’t look much bleaker for Ireland. They were left with a burning sense of ‘what could’ve been in their last outing’ as they conceded in stoppage time in a 1-0 defeat to Portugal, a result which leaves them trailing second-placed Hungary by three points. With the Hungarians concurrently facing off against group-leading Portugal, the door is firmly open for Ireland to close that gap, but to do so they’ll have to snap a five-match winless run (D3, L2), something which isn’t out of the question in Dublin where they’re unbeaten in four (W2, D2).
Armenia are the only nation in Group F to be ranked outside FIFA’s top 100, so they were never fancied to make inroads. At the midway point of the group though, they’re firmly in with a shout of claiming second spot and the play-off place it brings with it, as they hunt down a first-ever World Cup finals appearance as an independent nation. A disappointing 2-0 loss away to Hungary on Saturday certainly harmed their chances a little, but tasting defeat is nothing new for Armenia, who have lost five of their seven internationals in 2025 (W1, D1), including three of their four on the road (D1).
Head-to-Head History
This will be the sixth H2H meeting between these nations, with Ireland slightly shading the record so far (W3, L2), but it was Armenia who won the reverse fixture 2-1 last month.
Hot Stats and Streaks
None of Ireland’s seven internationals in 2025 have been settled by more than a single-goal margin.
Six of the eight goals in Ireland’s WCQ games this cycle arrived after the 40th minute.
Armenia haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last 34 internationals.
Armenia have conceded 2+ goals in six of their seven 2025 games.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Ireland’s Evan Ferguson scored in the reverse fixture, meaning his last three international goals all arrived in the 20 minutes immediately following half-time. Armenia’s Tigran Barseghyan had a game-high four shots against Hungary but may have to be patient here to get on the scoresheet, given eight of his nine international goals have arrived after the break.
Ireland lost Festy Ebosele to injury on Saturday night, while Armenia appeared to come through their game unscathed.
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Betting Analysis
After showing some promising signs against Portugal, we’re backing Ireland to win here and boost their play-off hopes.
Author: Chris Wilson
