The FAI have confirmed that the Republic of Ireland's home Nations League game against Israel will take place behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia on Sunday 4 October.

The match will be played at the 4,500-capacity TSC Arena.

In a statement, the FAI said: "This follows a decision taken by the FAI Board to move the fixture to a neutral territory due to operational challenges that could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil.

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"The change of venue has been approved by UEFA and the game will be played in the TSC Arena in Bačka Topola behind-closed-doors, with the kick-off time to be confirmed in due course."

The association said they plan to update season ticket holders and Club Ireland members regarding compensation owed.

UEFA previously confirmed that the away fixture against the Israelis on 27 September will take place at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary (7.45pm kick-off).

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Israel hosted Italy, Norway and Estonia in Debrecen during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, and had a a friendly there against Slovakia last June.

Ireland will open their campaign away to Kosovo on Thursday, 24 September, before traveling to Hungary. The team will return to the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, 1 October to face Austria, prior to the fixture in Serbia.

The nominal away fixture and the designated home match against the Israelis on 4 October have generated opposition and protest - including during last month's Dublin friendly against Qatar - amid the ongoing situation in Gaza.

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UEFA Nations League Fixtures

Thursday 24 September: Kosovo v Ireland, Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri, Pristina, 7.45pm
Sunday 27 September: Israel v Ireland, Nagyerdei Stadion, Debrecen (Hungary), 7.45pm
Thursday 1 October: Ireland v Austria, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, 7.45pm
Sunday 4 October: Ireland v Israel, TSC Arena, Backa Topola (Serbia), TBC
Saturday 14 November: Austria v Ireland, Raiffeisen Arena, Linz, 7.45pm
Tuesday 17 November: Ireland v Kosovo, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, 7.45pm

Watch every game of the FIFA 2026 World Cup live on RTÉ with highlights on RTÉ Sport digital platforms and live blogs on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app

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More stories on

  • Sport
  • News
  • Soccer
  • Europe
  • international soccer
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Middle East
  • Nations League
  • Republic of Ireland national football team
  • Backa Topola
  • Debrecen

Source: RTE