The Republic of Ireland manager admits his comments about the Israel match this weekend have taken focus off tomorrow's game against Kosovo.

Heimir Hallgrimsson described the upcoming ties against Israel as "playing against genocide."

The Israeli Football Association snapped back in a social media post, with the words "stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy" included.

We have contributed to the world and humanity in countless fields, earning an impressive number of Nobel Prizes along the way. Unfortunately, we have not yet found a cure for stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy displayed by @IrelandFootball team coach. We’re not playing with…

— ISRAEL FA (@ISRAELFA) September 21, 2026

Heimir Hallgrimsson, says he didn't mean for his comments to take attention away from tomorrow's Nations League opener:

"Its taking the attention away from maybe what's most important, like you say we're playing an important game against Kosovo [tomorrow]."

"Maybe from a leadership point of view, not clever from me, to take the attention like this."

"I need to be focused on the game, the players need to be focused on the game."

"To answer the question, we're thankful for all the support we get. It's a tricky time for us."