You'll Never Beat the Irish

Republic of Ireland World Cup Squads1934–2026 · 22 campaigns

Every Republic of Ireland World Cup squad in You'll Never Beat the Irish — all 22 campaigns from 1934 to 2026, from the Italia '90 quarter-finalists to the boys in green of today. In the game you draft your all-time Ireland XI from these squads and take them through a World Cup of their own — further than Ireland ever went.

3 of these reached the World Cup finals. Player details verified against publicly available sources such as Wikipedia.

Play You'll Never Beat the Irish

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 2026Did not qualify

The near-miss — Prague heartbreak

Goalkeeper
  • Caoimhín KelleherQual 7 · 🧤2
Defence
  • Nathan CollinsQual 7
  • Dara O'SheaQual 7
  • Jake O'BrienQual 7
  • Ryan ManningQual 6
  • Séamus ColemanQual 5
  • Liam ScalesQual 3
  • Matt DohertyQual 1
  • Jimmy DunneQual 2
  • Festy Ebosele DEF/MIDQual 4
  • Robbie Brady DEF/MIDQual 1
Midfield
  • Josh CullenQual 5
  • Finn AzazQual 6
  • Jayson MolumbyQual 4
  • Jack TaylorQual 6
  • Jason KnightQual 2
  • Sammie Szmodics MID/FWDQual 2
  • Will SmallboneQual 2
  • Alan BrowneQual 1
Attack
  • Troy ParrottQual 5 · ⚽6
  • Evan FergusonQual 4 · ⚽3
  • Adam IdahQual 6 · ⚽1
  • Chiedozie OgbeneQual 7
  • Mikey JohnstonQual 4

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 2022Did not qualify

Kenny's kids — Luxembourg & Faro

Goalkeeper
  • Gavin BazunuQual 7 · 🧤3
  • Mark TraversQual 1
Defence
  • Matt DohertyQual 8
  • Shane DuffyQual 6 · ⚽2
  • Séamus ColemanQual 6
  • John EganQual 6 · ⚽1
  • Dara O'SheaQual 3
  • Enda StevensQual 3
  • Andrew OmobamideleQual 4
Midfield
  • Josh CullenQual 8
  • Jeff HendrickQual 6
  • Alan BrowneQual 5 · ⚽1
  • Jamie McGrathQual 4
  • Jayson MolumbyQual 5
  • Conor HourihaneQual 4
  • Jason KnightQual 2
  • James McClean MID/DEFQual 8
Attack
  • Callum RobinsonQual 7 · ⚽3
  • Chiedozie OgbeneQual 3 · ⚽2
  • Adam IdahQual 6
  • Aaron ConnollyQual 3
  • Troy ParrottQual 4
  • James CollinsQual 5 · ⚽1

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 2018Did not qualify

Cardiff glory, Aviva massacre

Goalkeeper
  • Darren RandolphQual 12 · 🧤6
Defence
  • Séamus ColemanQual 5 · ⚽1
  • Shane DuffyQual 10 · ⚽2
  • Ciaran ClarkQual 10
  • Stephen WardQual 11
  • Cyrus ChristieQual 8
  • Richard KeoghQual 2
  • John O'SheaQual 3
  • Kevin LongQual 2
Midfield
  • Wes HoolahanQual 6
  • Robbie BradyQual 9
  • Jeff HendrickQual 9 · ⚽1
  • James McCarthyQual 2
  • Glenn WhelanQual 9
  • Aiden McGeady MID/FWDQual 6
  • David MeylerQual 7
  • Harry ArterQual 7
  • Callum O'DowdaQual 4
  • Conor HourihaneQual 2
  • James McClean MID/FWDQual 11 · ⚽4
Attack
  • Shane LongQual 9 · ⚽1
  • Jonathan Walters FWD/MIDQual 8 · ⚽1
  • Daryl MurphyQual 8 · ⚽3

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 2014Did not qualify

The 6-1 — Trap's long goodbye

Goalkeeper
  • David FordeQual 7 · 🧤2
  • Keiren WestwoodQual 3
Defence
  • Séamus ColemanQual 9
  • John O'SheaQual 9 · ⚽1
  • Richard DunneQual 3
  • Marc WilsonQual 8 · ⚽1
  • Ciaran ClarkQual 4
  • Sean St LedgerQual 3
  • Darren O'DeaQual 3 · ⚽1
Midfield
  • James McCarthyQual 9
  • Glenn WhelanQual 6
  • Aiden McGeady MID/FWDQual 5
  • Wes HoolahanQual 3
  • James McClean MID/FWDQual 5
  • Robbie BradyQual 2
  • Anthony Pilkington MID/FWDQual 2
  • Paul GreenQual 3
Attack
  • Robbie KeaneQual 7 · ⚽6
  • Jon Walters FWD/MIDQual 8 · ⚽3
  • Shane LongQual 7
  • Kevin DoyleQual 3 · ⚽1
  • Andy KeoghQual 2 · ⚽1
  • Simon CoxQual 5
  • Conor SammonQual 4

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 2010Did not qualify

Unbeaten — then the hand of Henry

Goalkeeper
  • Shay GivenQual 12 · 🧤3
Defence
  • Richard DunneQual 12 · ⚽2
  • John O'SheaQual 12
  • Kevin Kilbane DEF/MIDQual 12
  • Sean St LedgerQual 6 · ⚽1
  • Paul McShaneQual 6
  • Steve FinnanQual 2
Midfield
  • Glenn WhelanQual 11 · ⚽2
  • Keith AndrewsQual 8
  • Stephen HuntQual 10
  • Aiden McGeady MID/FWDQual 10
  • Liam LawrenceQual 3
  • Darron GibsonQual 3
  • Steven ReidQual 2
  • Liam MillerQual 2
  • Damien Duff MID/FWDQual 7
Attack
  • Robbie KeaneQual 12 · ⚽6
  • Kevin DoyleQual 10 · ⚽2
  • Caleb FolanQual 4
  • Andy KeoghQual 4
  • Leon BestQual 4
  • Noel HuntQual 2

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 2006Did not qualify

Kerr's draws — one point short

Goalkeeper
  • Shay GivenQual 10 · 🧤6
Defence
  • John O'Shea DEF/MIDQual 9
  • Stephen CarrQual 9
  • Steve Finnan DEF/MIDQual 6
  • Richard DunneQual 3
  • Kenny CunninghamQual 10
  • Ian HarteQual 4 · ⚽2
  • Andy O'BrienQual 6
Midfield
  • Roy KeaneQual 6
  • Andy ReidQual 8 · ⚽1
  • Kevin KilbaneQual 10 · ⚽1
  • Matt HollandQual 4
  • Graham KavanaghQual 4
  • Steven ReidQual 2
  • Damien Duff MID/FWDQual 9
Attack
  • Robbie KeaneQual 9 · ⚽4
  • Clinton MorrisonQual 8 · ⚽3
  • Gary Doherty FWD/DEFQual 6
  • Stephen ElliottQual 3 · ⚽1

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 2002Round of 16

Saipan & the Suwon shootout

Goalkeeper
  • Shay GivenQual 9 · 🧤6|Finals 4 · 🧤1
  • Alan KellyQual 3 · 🧤1|Finals 0
Defence
  • Steve FinnanQual 8|Finals 4
  • Ian HarteQual 12 · ⚽4|Finals 4
  • Stephen CarrQual 6|Finals 0
  • Gary BreenQual 9 · ⚽1|Finals 4 · ⚽1
  • Richard DunneQual 7 · ⚽2|Finals 0
  • Gary KellyQual 9 · ⚽1|Finals 4
  • Kenny CunninghamQual 3|Finals 2
  • Steve StauntonQual 8|Finals 4
Midfield
  • Roy KeaneQual 9 · ⚽4|Finals 0
  • Matt HollandQual 10 · ⚽3|Finals 4 · ⚽1
  • Kevin Kilbane MID/FWDQual 12 · ⚽2|Finals 4
  • Mark KinsellaQual 8 · ⚽2|Finals 4
  • Jason McAteerQual 7 · ⚽2|Finals 2
  • Lee CarsleyQual 1|Finals 1
  • Steven ReidQual 0|Finals 2
  • Damien Duff MID/FWDQual 7|Finals 4 · ⚽1
Attack
  • Robbie KeaneQual 9 · ⚽2|Finals 4 · ⚽3
  • Niall QuinnQual 8 · ⚽1|Finals 3
  • David ConnollyQual 6 · ⚽1|Finals 1
  • Gary Doherty FWD/DEFQual 5|Finals 0

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1998Did not qualify

McCarthy's first — Brussels heartbreak

Goalkeeper
  • Shay GivenQual 7 · 🧤3
  • Alan KellyQual 5 · 🧤2
Defence
  • Denis IrwinQual 7 · ⚽1
  • Steve StauntonQual 10
  • Kenny CunninghamQual 8
  • Gary KellyQual 6
  • Phil BabbQual 3
  • Ian HarteQual 11 · ⚽1
  • Gary BreenQual 6
  • Jeff Kenna DEF/MIDQual 10
  • Terry PhelanQual 2
Midfield
  • Roy KeaneQual 7 · ⚽2
  • Andy TownsendQual 10 · ⚽1
  • Ray Houghton MID/FWDQual 7 · ⚽1
  • Alan McLoughlinQual 9 · ⚽1
  • Jason McAteerQual 6 · ⚽1
  • Mark Kennedy MID/FWDQual 7 · ⚽1
  • Lee CarsleyQual 3
  • Kevin KilbaneQual 1
Attack
  • Tony CascarinoQual 12 · ⚽7
  • David ConnollyQual 7 · ⚽4
  • Niall QuinnQual 2 · ⚽2
  • Keith O'Neill FWD/MIDQual 3 · ⚽1
  • David KellyQual 5 · ⚽1

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1994Round of 16

USA '94 — Giants Stadium

Goalkeeper
  • Packie BonnerQual 12 · 🧤8|Finals 4 · 🧤2
Defence
  • Paul McGrathQual 9 · ⚽2|Finals 4
  • Denis IrwinQual 12|Finals 2
  • Steve Staunton DEF/MIDQual 10 · ⚽3|Finals 4
  • Phil BabbQual 0|Finals 4
  • Terry PhelanQual 10|Finals 3
  • Gary KellyQual 0|Finals 2
  • Kevin MoranQual 6|Finals 0
  • Alan KernaghanQual 9 · ⚽1|Finals 0
Midfield
  • Roy KeaneQual 12|Finals 4
  • Andy TownsendQual 11 · ⚽1|Finals 4
  • Ray Houghton MID/FWDQual 11|Finals 4 · ⚽1
  • John SheridanQual 2 · ⚽1|Finals 4
  • Jason McAteerQual 0|Finals 4
  • Ronnie WhelanQual 4|Finals 1
  • Kevin Sheedy MID/FWDQual 2 · ⚽1|Finals 0
  • Alan McLoughlinQual 1 · ⚽1|Finals 0
  • Eddie McGoldrickQual 4|Finals 0
Attack
  • John AldridgeQual 10 · ⚽6|Finals 3 · ⚽1
  • Niall QuinnQual 12 · ⚽2|Finals 0
  • Tommy CoyneQual 3|Finals 3
  • Tony CascarinoQual 7 · ⚽1|Finals 1

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1990Quarter-finals

Italia '90 — Genoa & the QF

Goalkeeper
  • Packie BonnerQual 7 · 🧤6|Finals 5 · 🧤2
  • Gerry PeytonQual 1 · 🧤1|Finals 0
Defence
  • Paul McGrath DEF/MIDQual 6 · ⚽1|Finals 5
  • Kevin MoranQual 8 · ⚽1|Finals 5
  • Steve StauntonQual 6|Finals 5
  • David O'LearyQual 5|Finals 1
  • Mick McCarthyQual 5|Finals 5
  • Chris MorrisQual 6|Finals 5
  • Chris HughtonQual 5|Finals 0
Midfield
  • Ronnie WhelanQual 6 · ⚽1|Finals 1
  • Kevin Sheedy MID/FWDQual 7|Finals 5 · ⚽1
  • Ray Houghton MID/FWDQual 8 · ⚽2|Finals 5
  • Andy TownsendQual 5|Finals 5
  • Liam BradyQual 2|Finals 0
  • John SheridanQual 1|Finals 1
  • Alan McLoughlinQual 0|Finals 2
Attack
  • John AldridgeQual 7 · ⚽2|Finals 5
  • Niall QuinnQual 2|Finals 4 · ⚽1
  • Tony CascarinoQual 8 · ⚽2|Finals 5
  • Frank StapletonQual 2|Finals 0

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1986Did not qualify

Hand's last stand — then Big Jack

Goalkeeper
  • Packie BonnerQual 1 · 🧤1
  • Seamus McDonaghQual 7 · 🧤3
Defence
  • Mark LawrensonQual 7
  • David O'LearyQual 8
  • Paul McGrath DEF/MIDQual 4
  • Jim BeglinQual 6
  • Chris HughtonQual 4
  • Kevin MoranQual 1
  • Mick McCarthyQual 4
  • David LanganQual 2
Midfield
  • Liam BradyQual 8
  • Kevin Sheedy MID/FWDQual 4 · ⚽1
  • Ronnie WhelanQual 5
  • Gerry DalyQual 3
  • Tony GrealishQual 6 · ⚽1
  • Tony GalvinQual 4
  • Gary WaddockQual 2
  • Kevin O'Callaghan MID/FWDQual 4
Attack
  • Frank StapletonQual 7 · ⚽2
  • Michael RobinsonQual 5
  • Mickey WalshQual 3 · ⚽1
  • Tony CascarinoQual 3

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1982Did not qualify

Robbed — out on goal difference

Goalkeeper
  • Seamus McDonaghQual 3
  • Gerry PeytonQual 5 · 🧤1
Defence
  • Mark Lawrenson DEF/MIDQual 7 · ⚽2
  • David O'LearyQual 4
  • Chris HughtonQual 6 · ⚽1
  • David LanganQual 7
  • Kevin MoranQual 5
Midfield
  • Liam BradyQual 8
  • Gerry DalyQual 5 · ⚽3
  • Steve HeighwayQual 6
  • Tony GrealishQual 7 · ⚽2
  • Mick Martin MID/DEFQual 4
  • Ronnie WhelanQual 2
Attack
  • Frank StapletonQual 8 · ⚽3
  • Michael RobinsonQual 5 · ⚽3
  • Don GivensQual 4
  • Paul McGeeQual 2 · ⚽2
  • Gerry Ryan FWD/MIDQual 3

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1978Did not qualify

Player-manager Giles — Sofia the killer

Goalkeeper
  • Mick KearnsQual 3 · 🧤1
  • Gerry PeytonQual 1 · 🧤1
Defence
  • David O'LearyQual 4
  • Mark LawrensonQual 1
  • Paddy MulliganQual 4
  • Jimmy HolmesQual 4
  • Mick Martin DEF/MIDQual 3
Midfield
  • Johnny GilesQual 4
  • Liam BradyQual 4 · ⚽1
  • Steve Heighway MID/FWDQual 4
  • Gerry DalyQual 4
  • Noel CampbellQual 1
Attack
  • Don GivensQual 4 · ⚽1
  • Frank StapletonQual 3
  • Ray TreacyQual 1
  • Mickey WalshQual 1

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1974Did not qualify

Tuohy's France ambush — USSR too good

Goalkeeper
  • Alan Kelly Sr.Qual 4
Defence
  • Paddy MulliganQual 3
  • Jimmy HolmesQual 3
  • Joe KinnearQual 2
  • Tommy McConvilleQual 4
  • Tommy CarrollQual 3
  • Tony Byrne DEF/MIDQual 3
  • Eoin Hand DEF/MIDQual 4
Midfield
  • Johnny GilesQual 2
  • Mick MartinQual 3 · ⚽1
  • Noel CampbellQual 2
Attack
  • Steve Heighway FWD/MIDQual 1
  • Don GivensQual 3
  • Terry ConroyQual 3 · ⚽2
  • Ray TreacyQual 4 · ⚽1
  • Miah DennehyQual 2

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1970Did not qualify

One point — Dunphy, Giles & the fog

Goalkeeper
  • Alan Kelly Sr.Qual 5
Defence
  • Tony DunneQual 2
  • Charlie HurleyQual 2
  • Shay BrennanQual 6
  • John DempseyQual 3
  • Joe KinnearQual 3
  • Paddy MulliganQual 6
  • Al Finucane DEF/MIDQual 4
  • Eoin Hand DEF/MIDQual 1
Midfield
  • Johnny GilesQual 1
  • Eamon DunphyQual 4
  • Jimmy ConwayQual 4
  • Eamon Rogers MID/FWDQual 5 · ⚽1
  • Frank O'NeillQual 3
Attack
  • Don GivensQual 5 · ⚽2
  • Terry ConroyQual 3
  • Ray TreacyQual 4
  • Mick LeechQual 3

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1966Did not qualify

Paris '65 — sold for the gate

Goalkeeper
  • Pat DunneQual 3 · 🧤1
Defence
  • Charlie HurleyQual 1
  • Tony DunneQual 3
  • Noel Cantwell DEF/FWDQual 3
  • Shay BrennanQual 2
  • Mick McGrath DEF/MIDQual 2
  • Mick MeaganQual 2
  • Theo FoleyQual 2
Midfield
  • Johnny GilesQual 3
  • Frank O'Neill MID/FWDQual 3
  • Jackie Hennessy MID/FWDQual 1
  • Eamon DunphyQual 1
Attack
  • Andy McEvoyQual 3 · ⚽1
  • Joe HavertyQual 3
  • Eric BarberQual 1

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1962Did not qualify

Pointless — 18 players, 17 conceded

Goalkeeper
  • Noel DwyerQual 4
Defence
  • Charlie HurleyQual 4
  • Noel Cantwell DEF/FWDQual 4
  • Phil KellyQual 3
  • Mick McGrath DEF/MIDQual 2
  • Ronnie Nolan DEF/MIDQual 2
  • Mick MeaganQual 1
  • Brendan McNallyQual 1
  • Pat Saward DEF/MIDQual 1
Midfield
  • Johnny Giles MID/FWDQual 4 · ⚽1
  • George Cummins MID/FWDQual 2
  • Andy McEvoy MID/FWDQual 2
  • Frank O'Neill MID/FWDQual 2
Attack
  • Joe HavertyQual 4 · ⚽1
  • Ambrose FogartyQual 3 · ⚽1
  • Peter FitzgeraldQual 3
  • Dermot CurtisQual 1
  • Fionan FaganQual 1

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1958Did not qualify

Atyeo at 90:15 — and then Munich

Goalkeeper
  • Tommy GodwinQual 2 · 🧤1
  • Jimmy O'NeillQual 1
  • Alan Kelly Sr.Qual 1
Defence
  • Charlie HurleyQual 2
  • Noel CantwellQual 4
  • Seamus DunneQual 3
  • Pat Saward DEF/MIDQual 3
  • Gerry MackeyQual 2
  • Don DonovanQual 1
  • Tommy Dunne DEF/MIDQual 1
  • Ronnie Nolan DEF/MIDQual 2
Midfield
  • Peter FarrellQual 1
  • Frank O'FarrellQual 1
  • Arthur Fitzsimons MID/FWDQual 4
  • George Cummins MID/FWDQual 1 · ⚽1
Attack
  • Liam Whelan FWD/MIDQual 3
  • Dermot CurtisQual 4 · ⚽3
  • Joe HavertyQual 4
  • Alf RingsteadQual 3 · ⚽1
  • Johnny GavinQual 1 · ⚽1

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1954Did not qualify

The Dalymount 5-3 — 27 players used

Goalkeeper
  • Jimmy O'NeillQual 3 · 🧤1
  • Tom ScannellQual 1 · 🧤1
Defence
  • Con MartinQual 3
  • Seamus DunneQual 2
  • Tommy AherneQual 1
  • Noel CantwellQual 1
  • Tommy ClintonQual 2
  • Tommy TraynorQual 1
  • Robin Lawler DEF/MIDQual 2
  • Pat Saward DEF/MIDQual 1
Midfield
  • Eddie GannonQual 2
  • Peter FarrellQual 2
  • Frank O'FarrellQual 1 · ⚽1
  • Tommy MoroneyQual 1
  • Reg Ryan MID/FWDQual 3 · ⚽2
  • Arthur Fitzsimons MID/FWDQual 3 · ⚽2
  • George Cummins MID/FWDQual 2 · ⚽1
Attack
  • Tommy EglingtonQual 3 · ⚽1
  • Davy WalshQual 2 · ⚽1
  • Alf RingsteadQual 1
  • Shay GibbonsQual 1

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1950Did not qualify

Carey's year — Goodison in between

Goalkeeper
  • Tommy GodwinQual 4 · 🧤1
Defence
  • Johnny CareyQual 4
  • Con Martin DEF/FWDQual 4 · ⚽3
  • Tommy AherneQual 3
Midfield
  • Tommy MoroneyQual 3
  • Eddie GannonQual 2
  • Peter FarrellQual 2 · ⚽1
  • Reg Ryan MID/FWDQual 1
  • Billy WalshQual 1
  • Arthur Fitzsimons MID/FWDQual 1
Attack
  • Davy WalshQual 3 · ⚽1
  • Peter DesmondQual 3
  • Tommy O'ConnorQual 3
  • Johnny GavinQual 2 · ⚽1
  • Paddy Coad FWD/MIDQual 1
  • Tommy EglingtonQual 1
  • Peter CorrQual 1

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1938Did not qualify

One goal short of France '38

Goalkeeper
  • George McKenzieQual 2
Defence
  • Bill GormanQual 1
  • Mick HoyQual 1
  • Billy O'NeillQual 1
  • Joe WilliamsQual 1
  • Charlie Turner DEF/MIDQual 2
Midfield
  • Joe O'ReillyQual 2
  • Owen KinsellaQual 1
  • Tom ArriganQual 1
Attack
  • Jimmy Dunne Sr.Qual 2 · ⚽2
  • Johnny Carey FWD/MIDQual 1
  • Kevin O'FlanaganQual 1 · ⚽1
  • Harry DugganQual 1 · ⚽1
  • Matt GeogheganQual 1 · ⚽1
  • Joey DonnellyQual 1
  • Tommy DonnellyQual 1
  • Billy JordanQual 1
  • Tommy FoyQual 1

🇮🇪 Republic of Ireland 1934Did not qualify

Dalymount '34 — Moore scores all four

Goalkeeper
  • Jim FoleyQual 2
Defence
  • Peadar GaskinsQual 2
  • Miah LynchQual 1
  • Tom BurkeQual 1
  • Paddy ByrneQual 1
  • Harry Chatton DEF/MIDQual 1
Midfield
  • Joe Kendrick MID/DEFQual 2
  • Joe O'ReillyQual 2
Attack
  • Paddy MooreQual 2 · ⚽5
  • David ByrneQual 1
  • Billy KennedyQual 2
  • Johnny SquiresQual 1 · ⚽1
  • Jimmy KellyQual 1
  • Tim O'KeeffeQual 1
  • Billy JordanQual 1
  • Fred HorlacherQual 1
  • Paddy MeehanQual 1
Play