Date: 9th September 2025
Time: 18:00 CET (17:00 Irish Time)
Venue: Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Yerevan, Armenia
Competition: UEFA 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification, Group F, Round 6
The stage is set for an interesting UEFA World Cup Qualifier encounter as the Republic of Ireland make their way to Yerevan to battle Armenia on September 9, 2025. With both teams hoping to make their presence felt in Group F, the match will most likely be crucial in the quest for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here's everything you need to know about the Ireland vs. Armenia match, from team news and predicted lineups to key men, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to keep you ahead of the game.
Match Overview
Armenia face Republic of Ireland in a crucial Group F game at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium. Armenia, ranked 105th in the world, are desperate to recover from a demoralizing 5-0 defeat to Portugal in their opening qualifier. Ireland, on the other hand, are in good mood after a gritty 2-2 draw with Hungary, when they came from behind to stage a thrilling late revival under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson. As Ireland are set to start their tournament with a win, Armenia will turn to home backing and a raucous crowd to pull off a upset.
This match is a valuable opportunity for Ireland to take advantage of Armenia's current trend and collect three points in what should be a tight group. However, the trend for Armenia to beat better teams on home soil, like that 1-0 win over Ireland in the 2022 UEFA Nations League, keeps the Boys in Green from getting complacent.
Team News and Probable Lineups
Armenia
Armenia's campaign got underway on shaky foundations as they were trounced to the tune of 5-0 by Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo netting two times as the Portuguese ran amok. Manager Yeghishe Melikyan, appointed just more than a month ago, is trying to instill some tactical discipline into a team that has been abject at the back, shipping 29 goals in their last 10 fixtures. Melikyan will not be making wholesale changes despite the heavy loss, with no fresh injury worries to report.
Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Avagyan (GK) – Tiknizyan, Piloyan, Muradyan, Arutyunyan – Spertsyan, Iwu, Bichakhchyan – Zelarayan, Barseghyan, Oganesyan
Key Player: Eduard Spertsyan
The Krasnodar midfielder is Armenia's creative threat and already proven pain for Ireland, having scored two goals against them in past encounters. His distance shooting and ability to create chances will be the determining factor in Armenia's hopes of an upset.
Republic of Ireland
Ireland's 2-2 draw with Hungary demonstrated their character as Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah scored to snatch a point after they were 2-0 down. Idah, who recently joined Swansea City, is vying for a place in the starting line-up following his stoppage-time equalizer. With no fresh injuries, Hallgrimsson could go for a more attacking system to take advantage of Armenia's vulnerability at the back.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Kelleher (GK) – Doherty, O'Shea, Collins, O'Brien – Cullen, Knight – Szmodics, Azaz, Manning – Idah
Key Player: Adam Idah
The confidence levels of the 24-year-old striker are high after his crucial goal against Hungary. His physicality and late goalscoring ability make him the tipster's choice to find the back of the net in Yerevan.
Head-to-Head Record
Armenia and Ireland have met on four occasions in competitive matches, and each game has been won by the narrow margin of one goal. Ireland lead on three wins to Armenia's solitary victory, although the hosts have tended to be hard to beat in Yerevan. Most significantly, Armenia's 1-0 defeat of Ireland in the 2022 UEFA Nations League demonstrated that they were capable of maybe beating better sides on home soil.
June 2022 (UEFA Nations League): Ireland 1-0 Armenia
September 2022 (UEFA Nations League): Armenia 3-2 Ireland
October 2011 (Euro 2012 Qualifier): Armenia 2-1 Ireland
September 2010 (Euro 2012 Qualifier): Ireland 0-1 Armenia
Recent Form
Armenia
Armenia's form has been woeful, with only one win in their last 10 matches (a 2-1 victory over Latvia in September 2024). Their defensive frailties were exposed in recent losses, including a 9-1 aggregate defeat to Georgia in the Nations League play-offs and a 5-0 thrashing by Portugal. But their attack's ambition, led by Spertsyan and Tigran Barseghyan, could prove troublesome if Ireland's defense gets left asleep at the wheel.
Recent Results: L (0-5 against Portugal), D (2-2 against Montenegro), L (2-5 against Kosovo), L (1-6 against Georgia), L (0-3 against Georgia)
Republic of Ireland
Ireland have better form under Hallgrimsson, as their draw with Hungary demonstrates they possess fighting qualities. Their away record is poor, with just one two-or-more-goal win in the past four years. However, their organized defending and capacity to capitalize on set pieces ensure that they are strong contenders against Armenia.
Recent Form: D (2-2 vs Hungary), D (0-0 vs Luxembourg), D (1-1 vs Senegal), W (2-1 vs Bulgaria)
Betting Tips and Predictions
Based on recent form, head-to-head statistics, and statistical trends, the following are our best betting tips for Armenia vs. Ireland:
Ireland to Win (Odds: 1.89 at Smarkets)
Ireland's superior team quality and recent solidity deserve favorite tag to pip them. Armenia's defence weakness and inability to score at home (no goals from last four at home) weigh in Ireland's favor.
Under 2.5 Goals (Odds: 1.70)
Armenia's defensive nature and Ireland's reliance on counterattacks and dead-ball experts indicate a low-scoring game. Previous matches between the two have been finely balanced, and the reality that Armenia is incapable of scoring at home confirms this prediction.
Adam Idah Anytime Goalscorer (Odds: Varies)
Idah's recent performance and physique position him as a top bet to score the net against Armenia's vulnerable defense. His late strike against Hungary might earn him a starting position, giving him a higher chance of scoring.
Both Teams to Score: No (Odds: Varies)
Armenia's failure to score in their last four home games, combined with the Republic of Ireland's clean sheets in their last two away games against inferior teams, suggests that the Republic of Ireland might pull off a clean sheet.
Prediction: Armenia 0-2 Republic of Ireland
Ireland will be most likely to dominate possession and create chances from set pieces and counterattacks. While Armenia do pose a threat with the imagination of Spertsyan, defensive frailties and a failure to be clinical in front of goal should allow Ireland to cruise to an easy win.
Where to Watch
Ireland: Live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 4:30 PM, with commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra and 2FM's Game On.
UK: Streaming on Amazon Prime (17:00 kick-off).
Worldwide: Search for local broadcasts or stream on Sofascore or ESPN for live scores, highlights, and stats.
Important Stats to Keep in Mind
Armenia have conceded 16 goals in their previous three matches in all competitions.
Ireland have failed to beat Armenia in three of their four matches.
Armenia average 0.3 goals for each home match, with Ireland averaging 0.8 goals for each away match.
50% of Armenia's matches end with both teams scoring and there are 3.8 goals in total on average per match.
Ireland forward Adam Idah has scored in his last competitive match and is battling for a spot in the first team.
Why This Match Is Significant
This game gives Armenia a chance to restore some pride after a humbling defeat by Portugal and to reignite their slender hopes of qualifying for their first major tournament. For Ireland, winning is crucial to keep ahead of Hungary in the second-placed hunt in Group F, behind favorites Portugal. With a record 700 or more Irish fans traveling to Yerevan, the air will be electric, and the Boys in Green will try to reward their fans with an important three points.
Conclusion
The Ireland vs. Armenia game will be a tactical battle, with Ireland's attacking prowess and experience being too much for Armenia's home advantage. Expect Ireland to deliver a good game, taking advantage of Armenia's backline weaknesses to seal a crucial victory. For viewers and bettors alike, the game offers many opportunities to engage with the action, be it in terms of live watching or shrewd betting.
Tune in for live coverage, and don't miss the opportunity to see this crucial World Cup qualifier! Join the action on social media using hashtags #ARMIRL and #COYBIG, and get live stats and highlights on sites such as Sofascore, ESPN, or RTÉ.