The Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team is a representative team of Irish football players. It is governed by the Football Association of Ireland and represents them at Under-21 level against the national teams of other national associations. The team played its first match in 1978 and has competed in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship since 1988.
Contents
History
As a European under-21 team, the Republic of Ireland participates in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, which takes place every two years. There is no Under-21 World Cup, although there is an Under-20 World Cup. Ireland did not enter the first five Under-21 Championships, entering for the first time in 1988 but failing to qualify. Ireland have never qualified for the European Under-21 Championships.
UEFA European Under-21 Championship record
*Draws include knockout matches decided by penalty shootout.
UEFA European Under-21 Championship
Results and fixtures
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
Legend
Win
Draw
Lose
Fixture
Staff
The Under-21s' management team includes:
Players
Current squad
Players born on or after 1 January 2004 are eligible for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
The following players were called up for the friendlies against Croatia and Qatar U23 on 6 and 9 June 2026.
Caps and goals updated as of 9 June 2026, after the game vs Qatar U23.
Recent call-ups
The following players have also been called up to the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad and remain eligible:
Note: Names in italics denote players that have been capped for the senior team.
Records
Top Goals: Kevin Doyle, Robbie Brady & Sinclair Armstrong 7 Goals
Youngest Goal Scorer: Michael Noonan 17 years 01 month 09 days vs Moldova (2025)
Biggest Win: 7-0 vs San Marino (2024)
Biggest Defeat: 0-8 vs Germany (1993)
Youngest Player: John Connolly 15 years 03 months 23 days vs Albania (1992)