The Republic of Ireland faces Austria in a crucial Nations League League B, Group 3 fixture kicking off at 7:45 p.m. Thursday at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, where the Football Association of Ireland has relocated hundreds of fans to create a buffer zone against potential protests.
Match Schedule, Broadcasting, and Kick-Off Time
The third-round match begins at 7:45 p.m. on Thursday at the Aviva Stadium. Domestic viewers can watch live coverage on RTÉ2 starting at 7:00 p.m., returning to a normal broadcast schedule following the stripped-down coverage of the Israel match. In the UK, the fixture streams on Amazon Prime PPV.
Ticket Availability and Stadium Transport Restrictions
Adult tickets remain available on Ticketmaster, priced between €90 and €100. Fans attending the fixture should note that Lansdowne Road Dart Station will close temporarily from 3:30 p.m. until the end of service on Thursday. Transport authorities advise supporters to use Grand Canal Dock or Sandymount stations instead.
Protest Precautions and Pitchside Seating Adjustments
The FAI has moved hundreds of supporters away from pitchside seats ahead of Thursday’s match amid security concerns. While the organization states the adjustments serve as a test event for staging Euro 2028 matches, FAI sources acknowledge the seating changes double as a barrier against potential pitch invasions. Ireland’s previous home fixture against Qatar in May saw multiple interruptions from tennis ball protests advocating for a boycott of matches against Israel. Greg Ennis, Siptu deputy secretary general, noted concerns in July at a Stop the Game press conference in Dublin regarding industrial aspects of transport, hospitality, and broadcasting.
Team News and Squad Selections
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is expected to rejoin the squad following his withdrawal from the Israel fixture, where he stated that participating would be wrong. Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson confirmed the plan kept Bazunu out of the second match but returns him to the fold against Austria. No significant injuries emerged from the previous fixture. Liam Kitching pushed for a starting spot following an impressive debut against Israel, alongside Jack Moylan, who recorded a goal and an assist in Hungary. Finn Azaz remained on the bench during the Israel match, with Hallgrímsson explaining that the player was not fit enough to feature.
Group Standings and Opponent Analysis
Ireland currently sits third in League B, Group 3 with three points after two matches. Austria leads the group with six points, while Kosovo occupies second place with three points, holding a head-to-head advantage over Ireland. Israel sits bottom with zero points. Group winners earn automatic promotion to League A, second-place finishers enter a promotion playoff, and the bottom team faces relegation playoffs. Austria presents a formidable challenge under manager Ralf Rangnick, featuring players such as Bayern Munich’s Konrad Laimer and Borussia Dortmund’s Carney Chukwuemeka, though Ireland enters the fixture carrying an unbeaten seven-match home run.
Frequently Asked Questions About Republic of Ireland vs Austria
What time does Republic of Ireland vs Austria kick off?
The match starts at 7:45 p.m. on Thursday at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Where can I watch the match on television?
Viewers in Ireland can watch live coverage on RTÉ2 starting at 7:00 p.m. UK viewers can tune in via Amazon Prime PPV.
What is Ireland’s current standing in the Nations League group?
Ireland sits in third place in League B, Group 3 with three points following two matches.
Are tickets still available for purchase?
Yes, adult tickets are available on Ticketmaster, with prices ranging from €90 to €100.
Worth a look