We have a Kosovo v Republic of Ireland prediction for you, plus a breakdown of the betting odds, team news and matchups ahead of Thursday’s Nations League game.
Kosovo have won two of their four fixtures in 2026, with their latest coming in their most recent game, 3-0 over Andorra .
Ireland enter this on the back of an eight-match unbeaten streak in ninety minutes.
Betting Odds
Kosovo v Republic of Ireland Betting Odds – UEFA Nations League 2026/27
Team | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Kosovo | 11/8 | 42.1% |
Republic of Ireland | 2/1 | 33.3% |
Draw | 19/10 | 34.5% |
Kosovo are 11/8 favourites for this fixture; Ireland can be backed at odds of 2/1 while the draw is 19/10.
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
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Handicap Betting
Kosovo: -1 - 9/2
Republic of Ireland +1 – 8/15
Handicap Draw -1 @ 14/5
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How To Watch
How To Watch Kosovo v Republic of Ireland
This match kicks off at 7:45 pm Irish time on Thursday at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium and will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 or RTÉ Player.
Form Guides
Kosovo Form Guide
Kosovo have been managed by Franco Foda after his appointment in February 2024 following a 23+ year coaching career including numerous spells with Sturm Graz , FC Kaiserslautern, Austria and Zürich . He’s guided them to 14 victories from 23 matches with only 7 defeats for a win rate of 60.87%, making him their most successful coach in the country's history.
This year has been a mixed bag for the team; though they opened it by winning out in a 3-4 thriller against Slovakia , they would then narrowly lose their World Cup playoff to Turkey 0-1. They then lost 2-1 to Czechia in a friendly last May before a comfortable 3-0 win over Andorra .
Though people will underestimate them, they certainly shouldn’t, with players playing at a high level, including multiple players in the Bundesliga and LaLiga. Edon Zhegrova in midfield plays for Juventus , Arijanet Muric is one of the best keepers in Serie A, and Fisnik Asllani of Hoffenheim has bundles of ability.
Kosovo’s Last Five Results
Kosovo 3-0 Andorra | June 7th | Win
Czechia 2-1 Kosovo | May 31st | Loss
Kosovo 0-1 Turkey | March 31st | Loss
Slovakia 3-4 Kosovo | March 26th | Win
Kosovo 1-1 Switzerland | November 18th | Draw
2 Wins, 2 Losses and 1 Draw
Republic of Ireland’s Form Guide
Heimir Hallgrímsson has been in charge of the Republic of Ireland since his appointment in July; it’s fair to say it's been a whirlwind of emotions throughout his tenure, and given the nature of the next few fixtures from a sporting and emotional perspective, it shows no signs of letting up. But a record of 9 wins, 6 draws and 6 defeats from 21 matches for a win-rate of 42.86% is respectable, albeit unspectacular.
Ahead of this busy International Window, this Irish side are unbeaten in their last eight competitive matches dating back to their 1-0 win over Armenia a little under a year ago, the dramatic victories over Portugal and Hungary before the heartbreaking defeat to Czechia on penalties last March, which meant the nation's World Cup drought continued. Since then, the performances have been a mixed bag, though with the expanded player pool from recent camps, we should reap the fruits of it in the future.
Aside from the “obvious” names which everyone could name, I think Rocco Vata and Owen Elding have the potential to be huge breakout stars for the Senior International Team in these upcoming games; both have star quality in their feet.
Republic of Ireland’s Last Five Results
Canada 1-1 Republic of Ireland | June 5th | Draw
Republic of Ireland 1-0 Qatar | May 28th | Win
Grenada 0-5 Republic of Ireland | May 16th | Win
Republic of Ireland 0-0 North Macedonia | March 31st | Draw
Czechia 2-2 (4-3 on penalties) Republic of Ireland | March 26th | Draw
3 Draws, 2 Wins
Predicted Lineups
Kosovo v Republic of Ireland Predicted Lineups
Kosovo Predicted Starting XI (4-4-2)
GK: Murić
RB: Vojvoda, CB: Krasniqi, CB: Hajdari, LB: Gallapeni
RM: Zhegrova, CM: Rrudhani, CM: Avdullahu, LM: Hodza
CF: Muriqi, CF: Asllani
Republic of Ireland Predicted Starting XI (3-4-2-1)
GK: Kelleher
RCB: O’Brien, CB: Egan, LCB: O’Shea
RM: Abankwah, CM: Lawal, CM: Molumby, LM: Scales
AM: Ogbene, AM: Vata
CF: Parrott
Key Players To Watch
Key Players To Watch
Vedat Muriqi – Kosovo
Kosovo’s all-time international top scorer with 32 goals across his 68 caps since debuting in 2016. Though he’s yet to score in his two caps this season, he enters this International break in prolific form following an incredible performance scoring four at the weekend for Fenerbahce in 69 minutes, taking his tally to 7 goals and 2 assists in 10 games.
His physicality and link-up play could cause the Irish defence major issues.
Troy Parrott – Republic of Ireland
Troy truly has the world at his feet, and on the back of his summer move to Real Betis, he’s shown little signs of slowing down following a winner against Real Madrid , an assist against Getafe and a winner in the Champions League with Lille.
He now has 11 goals across his 37 caps for his country, and on current projections it won’t be long before he scores again and continues to climb in the outright scoring charts for Ireland.
Prediction & Best Bet
Kosovo v Republic of Ireland Prediction & Best Bet
Prediction: Kosovo 0-1 Republic of Ireland
Kosovo are no mugs, a well-coached outfit with plenty of quality in their ranks; they’re favourites for this game and deserve respect.
Though not perfect, this Republic of Ireland side can perform against anyone on their day and with Parrott leading the line and Kelleher minding net they’ll fancy themselves for this game.
I’m expecting a close game, but Ireland may just edge it away from home.
Betting Tips
Republic of Ireland Double Chance @ 8/15
Simply click/tap on the above betting tips to add to your betslip.
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*Prices are subject to fluctuation
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Bill is as passionate about Irish football as they come, with an agonising longing to see his country grace a World Cup stage. A League of Ireland devotee and lifelong Man United fan, he knows better than most what sporting heartbreak feels like, and brings that perspective to the BOYLE Sports Blog. With roots in greyhound racing and a curiosity spanning politics, snooker, WWE and beyond, there is rarely a sporting conversation he cannot add to.
