Rep of Ireland U21
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.
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
| UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship record | UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Qualification record | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Pld | W | D * | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
| 1978 | did not enter | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||
| 1980 | – | – | – | – | – | – | ||||||||
| 1982 | – | – | – | – | – | – | ||||||||
| 1984 | – | – | – | – | – | – | ||||||||
| 1986 | – | – | – | – | – | – | ||||||||
| 1988 | did not qualify | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 | |||||||
| 1990 | did not enter | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||
| 1992 | did not qualify | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 14 | |||||||
| 1994 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 20 | ||||||||
| 1996 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 9 | ||||||||
| 1998 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 7 | ||||||||
| 2000 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 13 | 12 | ||||||||
| 2002 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 7 | ||||||||
| 2004 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 11 | ||||||||
| 2006 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 14 | ||||||||
| 2007 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||
| 2009 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 14 | ||||||||
| 2011 | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 11 | ||||||||
| 2013 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 10 | ||||||||
| 2015 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 12 | ||||||||
| 2017 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 14 | 17 | ||||||||
| 2019 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 15 | ||||||||
| 2021 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 8 | ||||||||
| 2023 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 17 | 11 | ||||||||
| 2025 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 24 | 12 | ||||||||
| Total | – | 144 | 48 | 31 | 65 | 184 | 199 | |||||||
- *Draws include knockout matches decided by penalty shootout.
The team competes in various tournaments and qualifiers, aiming to qualify for major youth competitions such as the UEFA European Under-21 Championship. With a strong emphasis on player development and teamwork, the Republic of Ireland U21 team is known for its competitive spirit and determination to succeed.
Led by a dedicated coaching staff, the team is committed to nurturing the next generation of Irish soccer stars and preparing them for future success at the senior level. With a rich history and passionate fan base, the Republic of Ireland U21 team continues to inspire and excite supporters with their talent and potential.