While the controversial games against Israel loom in the near future, Ireland get their UEFA Nations League campaign underway this week against Kosovo.

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side will want to get their bumper international window off to a good start before they face what’s set to be two tense clashes with Israel.

And while Ireland are one of the hosts for Euro 2028, qualification isn’t 100% guaranteed, though it is highly likely.

Nonetheless, Heimir Hallgrimsson will want to make sure his side aren’t relying on their other co-hosts to qualify, making this Nations League all the more important ahead of Euro qualifiers next year.

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Heimir Hallgrimsson. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the clash

When is Ireland vs Kosovo?

Ireland face Kosovo on Thursday, September 24, with kick-off at 7:45pm.

Where is Ireland vs Kosovo?

The Boys in Green will face Kosovo at the Stadium Fadil Vokrri in Pristina, Kosovo. The ground holds just under 14,000 spectators and is home to Kosovo’s most successful side, FC Prishtina.

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Troy Parrott. Pic: Pim Waslander/Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Is Ireland vs Kosovo on TV?

Yes, Ireland vs Kosovo will be live on TV, with RTÉ2 broadcasting the match from 7pm.

Ireland team news

Since naming his squad for this window last week, Heimir Hallgrimsson has been forced into a change ahead of Thursday’s clash with Kosovo.

Killian Phillips
Killian Phillips. Pic: Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

St Mirren’s Killian Phillips has been called up to the squad after both Jamie McGrath and Harvey Vale sustained injuries while playing for Hibernians and QPR last weekend.

Troy Parrott is available to play after making a stellar start to life in La Liga with Real Betis, but Heimir is forced to go through this window without captain Nathan Collins, who was ruled out with injury. That has meant Sheffield United’s Liam Kitchings has earned his first call-up to the Ireland senior squad.

Hibs frontman Owen Elding could finally make his international debut after getting his Irish passport earlier this month, while Rocco Vata has returned to the squad after a long injury lay-off last season. Joel Bagan could also make his international debut if he features against Kosovo.