Republic of Ireland have won three of their four previous meetings with Armenia, but they were beaten when they last visited Yerevan, with Eduard Spertsyan's long-range strike snatching victory during a Nations League clash in June 2022.
Armenia vs Republic of Ireland preview
After a positive start to World Cup qualifying on Saturday night, can Republic of Ireland claim a rare away win over 2,500 miles from home? At the weekend, it appeared as though Ireland's World Cup hopes would be over before they'd ever began, 2-0 down at home to Hungary inside 15 minutes. However, Evan Ferguson halved the deficit shortly after half time before, mere moments later, Roland Sallai was sent off, and the Dublin crowd believed. Just when they were giving up hope, deep into stoppage time, Adam Idah's towering header snatched a draw, sparking wild celebrations.
Republic of Ireland haven't featured at the World Cup since 2002, missing out on each of the last four major tournaments, with few backing the Boys in Green to be in North America next summer. Heimir Hallgrímsson's side did avoid relegation to Nations League C in March, beating Bulgaria in a play-off, but Ireland have won just 13 of their last 54 competitive internationals, their only away wins since November 2016 coming in Bulgaria, Finland, Gibraltar, Luxembourg, Azerbaijan and Wales. Now though, can they claim three priceless points at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium?
As for Armenia, they've never featured at a major tournament since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in the early-90s, winning only 30 of 149 qualifiers to date. On Saturday, in Yegishe Melikyan's first match in charge, their horrendous recent form continued, demolished 5-0 by Portugal in their Group F opener, the Havakakan's heaviest home defeat for three years.
2025 has been truly a miserable year for Armenia, steamrollered 9-1 by Georgia in a two-legged Nations League play-off in March, before a 5-2 friendly defeat in June saw John van 't Schip sacked after just four games at the helm. Overall they have now won only five of their last 30 competitive outings, claiming victory from just two qualifiers since March 2021. So Armenia are there for the taking, but can Ireland seize this opportunity and propel themselves into top two contention?
Armenia vs Republic of Ireland head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 4.
- Armenia Wins: 1. Draws: Zero. Republic of Ireland Wins: 3.
Armenia team news
Key centre-back Varazdat Haroyan retired from international duty in June, with 92 caps to his name, leaving a rather large void at the back.
Yegishe Melikyan picked a 4-4-2 at the weekend, one that was completely exposed by Portugal, so will he change things up for this one? Argentina-born Lucas Zelarayán will be their main playmaker, while Tigran Barseghyan is the squad's top-scorer, chosen to lead the line over Grant-Leon Ranos.
Armenia predicted lineup vs Republic of Ireland: (5-3-2): Čančarević; Hovhannisyan, Arutyunyan, Muradyan, Piloyan, Tiknizyan; Iwu, Bichakhchyan, Zelarayán; Ranos, Barseghyan.
Armenia player to watch vs Republic of Ireland
Eduard Spertsyan scored the only goal the last time Ireland visited Yerevan three years ago, taking his tally to nine international goals following a double against Montenegro in Nikšić in June, so could he be Armenia's hero here?
Republic of Ireland team news
Heimir Hallgrímsson is without captain Séamus Coleman as well as Andrew Omobamidele, Will Smallbone, Jamie McGrath, Sammie Szmodics and Troy Parrott, who has been on fire at club side AZ.
In terms of who will take to the field in Yerevan, Adam Idah's equaliser against Hungary could see him come into the lineup, partnering Evan Ferguson in attack, with either Mikey Johnston or Chiedozie Ogbene replacing the injured Szmodics out-wide.
Republic of Ireland predicted lineup vs Armenia: (4-4-2): Kelleher; O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea, Doherty; Cullen, Knight, Johnston, Manning; Idah, Ferguson.
Republic of Ireland player to watch vs Armenia
Evan Ferguson bagged his sixth international goal on Saturday night, five of which have come in Dublin, so can he add to his tally by bagging a priceless one on the road in Yerevan?
Armenia vs Republic of Ireland prediction
Even when considering Armenia's miserable form, we do not believe Ireland have the quality to beat them, forecasting a draw that does not help either side: Armenia 1-1 Republic of Ireland.
Armenia vs Republic of Ireland FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Armenia vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Armenia vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Armenia vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Armenia vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Armenia vs Republic of Ireland in World Cup qualification?
Armenia vs Republic of Ireland takes place on Tuesday 9 September 2025, with kick off at 17:00 (BST), 12:00 (EDT) & 9:00 (PDT).