
WORLD CUP DAILY: The return of the Duffer | LOI is back | The Azteca rocks thanks to Jimenez
From OTB Football by OTB Sports
June 12, 2026 · 19 min · Season 26 · Episode 667
About this episode
Phil Egan discusses the latest news from the World Cup, Ireland, and the League of Ireland, including Damien Duff's return to coaching and the impact of protests on Ireland's Nations League matches against Israel.
On Friday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings news from the World Cup, Ireland and the League of Ireland. FAI confirms Ireland’s Nations League matches against Israel will be played at a neutral venue behind closed doors following UEFA approval. Growing pressure from pro-Palestine groups and recent protests influenced debate around hosting Israel in Dublin. Damien Duff returns to frontline coaching after being appointed Brentford assistant manager under Keith Andrews. Duff reunites with Andrews after their previous spell together in Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland coaching setup. Brentford move marks Duff’s first role since stepping down as Shelbourne manager last year. Reflection on Duff’s remarkable managerial journey, culminating in Shelbourne’s first league title in 18 years. South Korea come from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their opening FIFA World Cup match. Mexico make a winning start on home soil with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Azteca Stadium. Opening World Cup fixtures feature red cards, standout goals and an impressive tournament launch ceremony. Newsround contributors debate their earliest World Cup memories and the tournaments that defined…
People in this episode
Host: Phil Egan
Topics covered
- World Cup news
- League of Ireland
- Damien Duff's coaching
- Ireland's Nations League
- Mexico's World Cup performance
- historical World Cup memories
Keywords
- World Cup
- Damien Duff
- Ireland
- Nations League
- Brentford
- League of Ireland
- Azteca Stadium
- Czechia
- South Africa
- Shamrock Rovers
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Brentford, FAI, Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers
Places: Ireland, Israel, Azteca Stadium, Czechia, South Africa, Dublin
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