The match between the Ireland national football team and the Israel national team began as part of the Nations League. After Irish players decided not to boycott the match in Debrecen, just before the opening whistle they took the unusual step of refusing to shake hands with the Israeli players, wore black armbands in protest of the war in Gaza and even bowed their heads during the playing of 'Hatikvah.' Additionally, the pennant exchange ceremony did not take place, and the Irish players also refrained from taking a joint team photo.