The Boys in Green are aiming to reach their first World Cup in 24 years, beginning with a home tie against Hungary. Ireland will also face Armenia and potentially Portugal or Denmark in Group F along the way.
The opportunity to qualify for another World Cup is a dream for every Ireland player. Despite recent struggles, it remains the ultimate goal.
McGuinness, who made his debut in the Nations League last November, believes every Irish player must perform at their absolute best during the qualifiers. There is no room for complacency, as the other teams in the group will be formidable opponents.
“International football is a different beast. Every player you face is the best in their nation, so it’s always a formidable challenge, regardless of the opponent’s size,” McGuinness told the Irish Independent. “We must concentrate on our own strategy and preparation without being complacent about any team, no matter their ranking.”
Mark McGuinness of Republic of Ireland (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)Despite Ireland's challenges, McGuinness believes the team’s core values and spirit are key strengths. The Luton Town defender stressed the importance of nurturing these qualities for success.
“Maintaining that quintessential Irish spirit of togetherness is crucial,” he added. “It is undoubtedly a strong point for us that we must continue to nurture.
“This camaraderie gives us an edge. Given that international gatherings are short and infrequent, that bond enables us to express ourselves freely on the pitch while fighting for one another. However, we must remember that international football is the pinnacle; it demands that everyone harmonises to achieve success.”
“As we gear up for the World Cup qualifiers, returning to winning ways is paramount. Irish teams have the potential to perform at a high level, and it’s about time we showcased that on the international stage.”
Ireland’s next game is against Bulgaria in their Nations League League B/C relegation/promotion play-off. The games are scheduled for Thursday, 20 March, and Sunday, 23 March 2025.
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