After a thrilling night at the Aviva Stadium and a famous win over Portugal, all eyes are on the Irish underage sides today.
Colin O’Brien’s young guns take centre stage at the U17 World Cup in Qatar, before the U21s face England in Euro 2027 qualifying action at St Andrew’s in Birmingham this evening.
Our focus is on the U17s here. Ireland topped their group after wins over Panama and Uzbekistan and a draw with Paraguay. Canada, meanwhile, finished second in a competitive group where every team finished on four points.
It’s win or go home: the prize is a ticket to the round of 16 to face Switzerland or Egypt.
There’s no extra time at this tournament. It’s straight to a penalty shootout if the score is level after 90 minutes.
The teams are out on the pitch, with the anthems underway.
Who’s going to win and extend their U17 World Cup journey?
Poll Results:
Ireland (135)
Canada (10)
14 Nov 2025
3:14PM
Confirmation that the winner here will play Switzerland in the round of 16 next week: the Swiss have beaten Egypt 3-1.
14 Nov 2025
3:17PM
KICK-OFF- Ireland get us underway.
14 Nov 2025
3:19PM
2 mins – Canada enjoying most of the early possession, with Ireland happy enough to sit off and set up defensively.
14 Nov 2025
3:22PM
5 mins - Ireland have generally been controlling the ball since a free-kick around the middle for a challenge on Michael Noonan. Another won by Grady McDonnell – who was born in Canada – there. Cagey start, both sides feeling each other out.
14 Nov 2025
3:23PM
6 mins - First chance sees McDonnell head the free he won over the bar.
14 Nov 2025
3:25PM
8 mins - Brilliant work from Jaden Umeh down the left, he’s hacked down and Ireland win another free in a brilliant position.
Rory Finneran’s delivery from wide left is punched away by the Canadian goalkeeper.
14 Nov 2025
3:28PM
CLOSE! Noonan flashes a free from the edge of the box just wide after a clever routine with Leonard. Looked to have beaten the ‘keeper, but the Shamrock Rovers star’s effort was inches wide.
Finneran was fouled, sandwiched between two Canadians.
Really encouraging start for Ireland.
14 Nov 2025
3:30PM
12 mins - Canada look to respond, but Ireland clear their lines and assume control.
They’re playing the ball around nicely, despite the cut-up surface. McDonnell is causing real problems, dancing around the Canadians and drawing fouls.
14 Nov 2025
3:31PM
CHANCE! Noonan again. He’s cleverly played in by McDonnell, but Canadian ‘keeper Jonathan Ransom smothers the effort.
14 Nov 2025
3:32PM
Here’s a look at the earlier free from Noonan…
Ireland U17s striker Michael Noonan goes close with an early free kick against Canada in their last 32 match #COYBIG#U17WC
16 mins - Bit of a let off for Ireland there. Ryan Butler produces a strong sliding challenge on Shola Jimoh to concede what appears to be a corner, but the referee awards a goal kick.
One has just been given, Victor Ozhanvuna cutting out a Canadian counter attack after another lengthy spell of possession.
14 Nov 2025
3:37PM
20 mins - Ireland defend that corner well, an ambitious Canadian effort at the end floating harmlessly over.
They then play with fire at the back, goalkeeper Alex Noonan having to boot the ball out for a throw under pressure from a Canadian poacher. He recovers well for his next involvements.
14 Nov 2025
3:41PM
24 mins – Canada break after an Irish corner, but Ireland do well to scramble back and cut out the threat. The counter came after Ade Solanke was dispossessed just inside the Canada box: the ball fell nicely for him but he appeared in two minds.
Ireland looking to apply more pressure now, working the line with throw-ins.
14 Nov 2025
3:42PM
Here’s Noonan’s other early chance…
Clever build up play from Ireland U17s gets Michael Noonan in behind the Canada defence but their goalkeeper makes a smart save #COYBIG#U17WC
27 mins - Canada have enjoyed more of the ball in the last few minutes, both teams seem happy enough to cede possession at times. Not entirely unexpected in knockout football, when the stakes are so high.
14 Nov 2025
3:47PM
SAVE! Sahil Deo cuts in off the right and stings the palms of Noonan. He sends the ball over the bar, might be disappointed not to have caught it clean or punch it well clear.
The subsequent corner is sent across the face of goal and dribbles out over the endline.
14 Nov 2025
3:50PM
32 mins -Olé, olé rings out around the ground. The last few minutes have been scrappy.
As I type, Noonan launches the ball forward and Ramon Martos wins a free around the middle as he looks to hold it up. Ireland on the front foot again.
14 Nov 2025
3:54PM
36 mins - Ireland trying to use the wide areas more and more. They win a free on the right, but Canada comfortably clear Finneran’s delivery.
Noonan launches forward to his namesake once more, the Shamrock Rovers star looking to get in behind but Canada stand him up.
After a nice team move, Solanke drives forward and has a go from range but his tame effort is claimed by the Canadian ‘keeper.
14 Nov 2025
3:57PM
40 mins - Ireland upping the ante as half-time approaches, breaking faster and sending in some inviting crosses. Butler’s looping header from one is easily claimed. McDonnell with the latest delivery, which is straight at the Canadian ‘keeper and gathered at ease.
14 Nov 2025
3:59PM
42 mins - Picture lost momentarily, but as it returns, Noonan has the ball in his hands.
The same thing happens just after. Seems Canada’s attacks were harmless enough, though.
A message from RTÉ pops up on the screen: ‘Apologies for the poor picture quality.’
14 Nov 2025
4:03PM
44 mins - Half-hearted Canadian appeals for a penalty, a player goes to ground in the box but seems Butler was using his body well.
Nice Irish build-up before Solanke’s delivery from the left causes some panic in the box, but Canada clear their lines.
‘Let’s go Canada, let’s go,’ one fan has persistently chanted in the last few minutes.
One minute added on.
14 Nov 2025
4:03PM
HALF-TIME: Ireland 0-0 Canada
14 Nov 2025
4:08PM
All to play for in the second half, after a relatively even opening period.
Ireland have probably shaded it overall. They’ve definitely had the better chances, with Michael Noonan going closest from an early free kick.
The Shamrock Rovers star had another good opportunity shortly afterwards, but was smothered by Canadian goalkeeper Jonathan Ransom.
They threatened more in the closing stages, Colin O’Brien likely happy to get his side into the dressing room to reset.
Some strong Irish performances. They’ll need to up it in the second half if they are to continue their World Cup adventure in Qatar.
Remember, it’s straight to penalties if level after 90 minutes.
14 Nov 2025
4:11PM
Just a reminder too, that the game is available to watch live on RTÉ 2 and RTÉ Player.
14 Nov 2025
4:19PM
SECOND-HALF - Canada restart the game. No changes on either side.
14 Nov 2025
4:23PM
48 mins - Similar pattern to how the game started at the outset of the second half, Ireland happy to sit off and let Canada have the ball.
Butler blocks a delivery, and Ireland deal with the subsequent long throw-in accordingly.
Big defensive header from Butler to cut out a dangerous delivery. He’s assessed afterwards and back on his feet.
14 Nov 2025
4:28PM
52 mins - Ireland think they have a corner, but the referee awards a goal-kick. With the next attack, McDonnell – back in the thick of it after being caught for a free around the middle – then tries to release Noonan down the left but his pass is wayward. Frustration.
14 Nov 2025
4:30PM
SAVE! Canadian ‘keeper Ransom denies Martos’ snapshot with his leg. Superb effort from inside the box after a long throw-in isn’t dealt with.
Stats flash up on the screen: six attempts apiece.
14 Nov 2025
4:32PM
CLOSE! Ransom claims Butler’s header at the back post after a brilliant delivery from Umeh.
Better build-up from Ireland, can they make this pressure count?
14 Nov 2025
4:36PM
60 mins - Ozhanvuna prodding and probing down the right now, but his pull back isn’t capitalised on.
Canada bite back at the other end: again Ireland are casual playing out from the back, Leonard caught but Solanke and McDonagh recover, the latter brilliantly blocking Van Parker.
Canada make two changes.
14 Nov 2025
4:37PM
Here’s that Martos chance…
It remains scoreless between Ireland and Canada in the U17 World Cup last 32 with Ramon Martos going close for #COYBIG early in the second half #U17WC
The Shamrock Rovers star pounces on a Canadian mix-up at the back, and produces a composed finish to break the deadlock. It all came from a long Vinnie Leonard ball, Josh Nteziryayo the Canadian player to mess up an attempted backpass.
Noonan wheels away in jubilation, kissing the crest. What a moment.
14 Nov 2025
4:43PM
Here it is…
Republic of Ireland 1-0 Canada
Michael Noonan pounces to give #COYBIG the lead in the FIFA U17 World Cup last 32 match #U17WC
70 mins – Ireland on the hunt for a second, but Umeh’s header is straight at Ransom.
Irish change: Kian McMahon-Brown replaces Martos.
14 Nov 2025
4:50PM
SAVE! Another big chance for Ireland, but Umeh’s effort – with time and space – is straight at Ransom, who again saves with his legs. Came off a Solanke free-kick, won by McMahon-Brown.
Canada make two more changes. 76 minutes gone.
14 Nov 2025
4:53PM
78 mins - Ireland continue to pile the pressure on, Umeh threatening again but Ransom snuffs out the danger.
Canada hit back at the other end. Leonard with a HUGE block to cut out a shot and send it out for a corner.
14 Nov 2025
4:54PM
SAVE! Noonan, wow! What a stop to deny Khan on the half-volley from the edge of the box.
14 Nov 2025
4:56PM
82 mins – Ireland clear another corner, Noonan relieving the pressure with a lung-bursting run up-field.
Big cheer in the background as another game goes to penalties…
Irish change: Finn Sherlock in for Solanke, who was really impressive.
14 Nov 2025
4:58PM
CHANCE! Noonan lashes over the bar after brilliant work from Umeh on the left.
Canada respond with an ambitious effort that floats wide.
14 Nov 2025
4:59PM
GOAL! Ireland 1-1 Canada (Sergei Kozlovskiy 85)
Level. Disappointment for Ireland. A long throw comes out to Kozlovskiy outside the box, who sends a volley through lots of Irish bodies and into the bottom right-hand corner.
If it stays like this, it goes straight to penalties.
14 Nov 2025
5:02PM
Here’s the Canada equaliser…
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Canada
Canada have cancelled out the #COYBIG lead in the U17 World Cup last 32 with the game now on course for penalties #U17WC
89 mins - Canada buoyed by the goal, Ireland digging in. It has been stop-start since the equaliser.
Noonan with a big save to stop a one v one chance, but the flag goes up.
Six minutes added on. Will there be a winner or are we bound for penalties?
14 Nov 2025
5:07PM
90 mins + 3 - Ireland launch it, McMahon-Brown does well in the Canada box but he’s eventually cut out and the Canadian fans celebrate it like a goal.
Butler wins a free for Ireland in a good position…
14 Nov 2025
5:08PM
90 mins + 4 – A low delivery and a green body goes down in the box, but Canada clear their lines and break at pace. Nervy moments for Ireland as a good cross is sent in, but Leonard steps up with a block.
VAR check underway, presumably for the Irish free kick…
14 Nov 2025
5:09PM
90 mins + 5 - No penalty. It was McDonnell who went down in the box, but there were no real claims. Referee waves it on anyway.
14 Nov 2025
5:10PM
FULL-TIME: Ireland 1-1 Canada
We go to penalties…
14 Nov 2025
5:13PM
FT: Republic of Ireland 1-1 Canada
A penalty shootout stands between Ireland and a place in the last 16 of the U17 World Cup
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As it happened: Ireland v Canada, U17 World Cup
Ireland 1-1 Canada
It’s another huge day for Irish football, with the U17s in World Cup knockout action.
Colin O’Brien’s side face Canada in the round of 32 in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
Kick off is at 3.15pm Irish time, with the action live on RTÉ 2 and RTÉ Player.
We’ll keep you up to date right here.
Here’s the Ireland starting XI…
After a thrilling night at the Aviva Stadium and a famous win over Portugal, all eyes are on the Irish underage sides today.
Colin O’Brien’s young guns take centre stage at the U17 World Cup in Qatar, before the U21s face England in Euro 2027 qualifying action at St Andrew’s in Birmingham this evening.
Our focus is on the U17s here. Ireland topped their group after wins over Panama and Uzbekistan and a draw with Paraguay. Canada, meanwhile, finished second in a competitive group where every team finished on four points.
It’s win or go home: the prize is a ticket to the round of 16 to face Switzerland or Egypt.
There’s no extra time at this tournament. It’s straight to a penalty shootout if the score is level after 90 minutes.
The teams are out on the pitch, with the anthems underway.
Who’s going to win and extend their U17 World Cup journey?
Poll Results:
Confirmation that the winner here will play Switzerland in the round of 16 next week: the Swiss have beaten Egypt 3-1.
KICK-OFF - Ireland get us underway.
2 mins – Canada enjoying most of the early possession, with Ireland happy enough to sit off and set up defensively.
5 mins - Ireland have generally been controlling the ball since a free-kick around the middle for a challenge on Michael Noonan. Another won by Grady McDonnell – who was born in Canada – there. Cagey start, both sides feeling each other out.
6 mins - First chance sees McDonnell head the free he won over the bar.
8 mins - Brilliant work from Jaden Umeh down the left, he’s hacked down and Ireland win another free in a brilliant position.
Rory Finneran’s delivery from wide left is punched away by the Canadian goalkeeper.
CLOSE! Noonan flashes a free from the edge of the box just wide after a clever routine with Leonard. Looked to have beaten the ‘keeper, but the Shamrock Rovers star’s effort was inches wide.
Finneran was fouled, sandwiched between two Canadians.
Really encouraging start for Ireland.
12 mins - Canada look to respond, but Ireland clear their lines and assume control.
They’re playing the ball around nicely, despite the cut-up surface. McDonnell is causing real problems, dancing around the Canadians and drawing fouls.
CHANCE! Noonan again. He’s cleverly played in by McDonnell, but Canadian ‘keeper Jonathan Ransom smothers the effort.
Here’s a look at the earlier free from Noonan…
16 mins - Bit of a let off for Ireland there. Ryan Butler produces a strong sliding challenge on Shola Jimoh to concede what appears to be a corner, but the referee awards a goal kick.
One has just been given, Victor Ozhanvuna cutting out a Canadian counter attack after another lengthy spell of possession.
20 mins - Ireland defend that corner well, an ambitious Canadian effort at the end floating harmlessly over.
They then play with fire at the back, goalkeeper Alex Noonan having to boot the ball out for a throw under pressure from a Canadian poacher. He recovers well for his next involvements.
24 mins – Canada break after an Irish corner, but Ireland do well to scramble back and cut out the threat. The counter came after Ade Solanke was dispossessed just inside the Canada box: the ball fell nicely for him but he appeared in two minds.
Ireland looking to apply more pressure now, working the line with throw-ins.
Here’s Noonan’s other early chance…
27 mins - Canada have enjoyed more of the ball in the last few minutes, both teams seem happy enough to cede possession at times. Not entirely unexpected in knockout football, when the stakes are so high.
SAVE! Sahil Deo cuts in off the right and stings the palms of Noonan. He sends the ball over the bar, might be disappointed not to have caught it clean or punch it well clear.
The subsequent corner is sent across the face of goal and dribbles out over the endline.
32 mins - Olé, olé rings out around the ground. The last few minutes have been scrappy.
As I type, Noonan launches the ball forward and Ramon Martos wins a free around the middle as he looks to hold it up. Ireland on the front foot again.
36 mins - Ireland trying to use the wide areas more and more. They win a free on the right, but Canada comfortably clear Finneran’s delivery.
Noonan launches forward to his namesake once more, the Shamrock Rovers star looking to get in behind but Canada stand him up.
After a nice team move, Solanke drives forward and has a go from range but his tame effort is claimed by the Canadian ‘keeper.
40 mins - Ireland upping the ante as half-time approaches, breaking faster and sending in some inviting crosses. Butler’s looping header from one is easily claimed. McDonnell with the latest delivery, which is straight at the Canadian ‘keeper and gathered at ease.
42 mins - Picture lost momentarily, but as it returns, Noonan has the ball in his hands.
The same thing happens just after. Seems Canada’s attacks were harmless enough, though.
A message from RTÉ pops up on the screen: ‘Apologies for the poor picture quality.’
44 mins - Half-hearted Canadian appeals for a penalty, a player goes to ground in the box but seems Butler was using his body well.
Nice Irish build-up before Solanke’s delivery from the left causes some panic in the box, but Canada clear their lines.
‘Let’s go Canada, let’s go,’ one fan has persistently chanted in the last few minutes.
One minute added on.
HALF-TIME: Ireland 0-0 Canada
All to play for in the second half, after a relatively even opening period.
Ireland have probably shaded it overall. They’ve definitely had the better chances, with Michael Noonan going closest from an early free kick.
The Shamrock Rovers star had another good opportunity shortly afterwards, but was smothered by Canadian goalkeeper Jonathan Ransom.
They threatened more in the closing stages, Colin O’Brien likely happy to get his side into the dressing room to reset.
Some strong Irish performances. They’ll need to up it in the second half if they are to continue their World Cup adventure in Qatar.
Remember, it’s straight to penalties if level after 90 minutes.
Just a reminder too, that the game is available to watch live on RTÉ 2 and RTÉ Player.
SECOND-HALF - Canada restart the game. No changes on either side.
48 mins - Similar pattern to how the game started at the outset of the second half, Ireland happy to sit off and let Canada have the ball.
Butler blocks a delivery, and Ireland deal with the subsequent long throw-in accordingly.
Big defensive header from Butler to cut out a dangerous delivery. He’s assessed afterwards and back on his feet.
52 mins - Ireland think they have a corner, but the referee awards a goal-kick. With the next attack, McDonnell – back in the thick of it after being caught for a free around the middle – then tries to release Noonan down the left but his pass is wayward. Frustration.
SAVE! Canadian ‘keeper Ransom denies Martos’ snapshot with his leg. Superb effort from inside the box after a long throw-in isn’t dealt with.
Stats flash up on the screen: six attempts apiece.
CLOSE! Ransom claims Butler’s header at the back post after a brilliant delivery from Umeh.
Better build-up from Ireland, can they make this pressure count?
60 mins - Ozhanvuna prodding and probing down the right now, but his pull back isn’t capitalised on.
Canada bite back at the other end: again Ireland are casual playing out from the back, Leonard caught but Solanke and McDonagh recover, the latter brilliantly blocking Van Parker.
Canada make two changes.
Here’s that Martos chance…
GOAL! Ireland 1-0 Canada (Michael Noonan 65)
Advantage Ireland! And who else? Michael Noonan.
The Shamrock Rovers star pounces on a Canadian mix-up at the back, and produces a composed finish to break the deadlock. It all came from a long Vinnie Leonard ball, Josh Nteziryayo the Canadian player to mess up an attempted backpass.
Noonan wheels away in jubilation, kissing the crest. What a moment.
Here it is…
70 mins – Ireland on the hunt for a second, but Umeh’s header is straight at Ransom.
Irish change: Kian McMahon-Brown replaces Martos.
SAVE! Another big chance for Ireland, but Umeh’s effort – with time and space – is straight at Ransom, who again saves with his legs. Came off a Solanke free-kick, won by McMahon-Brown.
Canada make two more changes. 76 minutes gone.
78 mins - Ireland continue to pile the pressure on, Umeh threatening again but Ransom snuffs out the danger.
Canada hit back at the other end. Leonard with a HUGE block to cut out a shot and send it out for a corner.
SAVE! Noonan, wow! What a stop to deny Khan on the half-volley from the edge of the box.
82 mins – Ireland clear another corner, Noonan relieving the pressure with a lung-bursting run up-field.
Big cheer in the background as another game goes to penalties…
Irish change: Finn Sherlock in for Solanke, who was really impressive.
CHANCE! Noonan lashes over the bar after brilliant work from Umeh on the left.
Canada respond with an ambitious effort that floats wide.
GOAL! Ireland 1-1 Canada (Sergei Kozlovskiy 85)
Level. Disappointment for Ireland. A long throw comes out to Kozlovskiy outside the box, who sends a volley through lots of Irish bodies and into the bottom right-hand corner.
If it stays like this, it goes straight to penalties.
Here’s the Canada equaliser…
89 mins - Canada buoyed by the goal, Ireland digging in. It has been stop-start since the equaliser.
Noonan with a big save to stop a one v one chance, but the flag goes up.
Six minutes added on. Will there be a winner or are we bound for penalties?
90 mins + 3 - Ireland launch it, McMahon-Brown does well in the Canada box but he’s eventually cut out and the Canadian fans celebrate it like a goal.
Butler wins a free for Ireland in a good position…
90 mins + 4 – A low delivery and a green body goes down in the box, but Canada clear their lines and break at pace. Nervy moments for Ireland as a good cross is sent in, but Leonard steps up with a block.
VAR check underway, presumably for the Irish free kick…
90 mins + 5 - No penalty. It was McDonnell who went down in the box, but there were no real claims. Referee waves it on anyway.
FULL-TIME: Ireland 1-1 Canada
We go to penalties…
Ireland up first, Michael Noonan set to open the shootout…
PENALTIES
Ireland 1-0 Canada
Noonan scores.
PENALTIES
Ireland 1-0 Canada
SAVE! Alex Noonan denies Khan.
PENALTIES
Ireland 2-0 Canada
Finn Sherlock scores. Great penalty.
PENALTIES
Ireland 2-1 Canada
Marius Aiyenero scores Canada’s second.
PENALTIES
Ireland 3-1 Canada
Umeh scores. Superb. Three out of three for Ireland!
PENALTIES
Ireland 3-2 Canada
Canada’s late goalscorer Kozlovskiy scores.
PENALTIES
Ireland 4-2 Canada
Vinnie Leonard scores. Outstanding hit. Four from four for Ireland!
PENALTIES
Ireland 4-3 Canada
Van Parker scores. The tension!
PENALTIES
Ireland 4-3 Canada
SAVE! Oisin McDonagh is denied by Ransom.
The Canadian ‘keeper was yellow-carded just beforehand.
PENALTIES
Ireland 4-4 Canada
Judelson scores. Sudden death, it is…
PENALTIES
Ireland 5-4 Canada
Kian McMahon-Brown scores.
PENALTIES
Ireland 5-5 Canada
Aghilas Sadek scores. Just about. Noonan almost got there.
PENALTIES
Ireland 6-5 Canada
Rory Finneran scores. Low and hard, great penalty.
PENALTIES
Ireland 6-6 Canada
Johnny Selemani scores. On we go.
PENALTIES
Ireland 7-6 Canada
Victor Ozhianvuna scores. Quality.
PENALTIES
Ireland 7-7 Canada
Sahil Deo makes no mistake.
PENALTIES
Ireland 8-7 Canada
Grady McDonnell scores as we hit round nine.
PENALTIES
Ireland 8-8 Canada
Josh Nteziryayo scores down the middle. We go again!
PENALTIES
Ireland 9-8 Canada
Ryan Butler scores.
This is spiiiicyyyy. Lots of over and back between the Canadian ‘keeper and Irish players.
PENALTIES
Ireland 9-8 Canada
SAVE! Alex Noonan denies Elijah Roche.
Delay before confirmation! IRELAND WIN!
WOW! Ireland progress to the last 16 at the U17 World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout against Canada.
1-1 after 90 minutes, 9-8 on penalties.
The two Noonans the heroes: Michael, the goalscorer in normal time, and Alex, who saved the final penalty in the shootout.
Colin O’Brien’s side will face Switzerland in the last 16.
That’s all from our live coverage, a match report will follow on The 42.
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