Despite Ireland's major tournament drought, by the time the 2030 World Cup comes around, the team should be in a stronger position.
The Boys in Green haven't played at a World Cup since 2002, where they were eliminated in the last 16, and with the tournament expanding to 48 teams the likelihood of qualifying has increased.
Playing in a 4-3-3 formation, here is the team that we think will compete on the world stage in 2030 (age of each player in 2030 in brackets) :
Gavin Bazunu (28 years old)
Ireland's number 1 has been a shining light for struggling Southampton this season and despite their relegation fears, the Dubliner won't be short of Premier League offers in the summer.
With 13 caps for his country, the youngster has established himself as Ireland's first choice goalkeeper under manager Stephen Kenny.
Bazunu, who's only at the start of his career, is a shoe in to remain as Ireland's prime shot stopper for the 2030 World Cup.
Sam Curtis (24 years old)
The St Patrick's Athletic right back broke into the first team last season, and since then, has made his Ireland under 21's debut despite only being 17.
Curtis, who has interest from elite European clubs, is destined for great things in his career at it's current trajectory.
With Seamus Coleman and Matt Doherty both surpassing 30 years old, Curtis is young, talented and experienced in the League of Ireland. Therefore, cementing a place at right back in the national team is achievable by the 2030 World Cup.
Nathan Collins (29 years old)
The Wolves defender is an established Premier League centre back having signed from Burnley for £20 million last summer.
Therefore, as a mainstay in Kenny's defense, Collins should be a part of Ireland's defense for the duration of his career.
The 21-year-old has all the attributes to play at the highest level, with 39 Premier League appearances and 12 Ireland caps, so if the Boys in Green get to the World Cup in 2030, he will play.
Cathal Heffernan (25 years old)
The Corkman came through the ranks at Cork City and now applies his trade for AC Milan following earning a contract last year.
Ireland's U17 captain signed for AC Milan for a fee of €30,000. The highly regarded center back is making an impression with the seven-time European Cup winners, having captained them already.
Italy is a great place to apply your trade as a defender and Heffernan has the potential to be an established international in the future ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
Sean Roughan (26 years old)
Despite only being 19, Roughan has made 35 appearances for Lincoln this season and was scouted by top English sides after breaking into the first team.
Currently applying his trade for the Under-21's, the full back, who can also play as a centre half has all the attributes needed to become an established international footballer.
As Ireland set their sights on a new left back for the future, Roughan is the perfect candidate to wear the number 3 jersey for Ireland in the 2030 World Cup.
Will Smallbone (30 years old)
The Stoke City playmaker on loan from Southampton has made waves for Kenny's side already, having been awarded man of the match against Latvia in March.
Smallbone has been ever present in the middle of the park for the Potters, clocking up 36 appearances, scoring three goals and creating four assists.
Overall, the midfielder is essential to the Boys in Green going forward, and could be an integral part of Ireland's World Cup charge in 2030.
Joe Hodge (27 years old)
The Ireland under 21 captain has bags of potential and has made his Premier League debut this season for Wolves.
Hodge raised eyebrows playing for Manchester City's academy and is touted to have a strong career in the game.
Despite his English contentions, it's expected that the holding midfielder will remain and will play a part in 2030 World Cup for the Boys in Green.
Jason Knight (29 years old)
The Dubliner has been a shining light for club and country this season, making 40 appearances for Derby over the course of the campaign.
Despite being only 22, Knight has played 141 games for the Rams and with his contract expiring in the summer, it is expected he'll have plenty of options.
Knight is technically gifted and will be a part of the Boys in Green lineup for years to come, including the 2030 World Cup.
Rocco Vata (25 years old)
The Celtic youngster has made quite the impression on Ange Postecoglou this season, having come off the bench against Ross County on the weekend for his second league appearance of the compaign.
Vata, born in Scotland, has a strong allegiance to Ireland and will continue to develop playing for the sides underage teams.
Overall, by 2030 Vata will have developed into quite the footballer and will, in turn, be a contender to start for Ireland on the right wing in the 2030 World Cup.
Evan Ferguson (26 years old)
The Dubliner is one of the brightest prospects in world football, having already established himself as Ireland's starting striker.
The 18 year old made 26 appearances for the Seagulls this season, scoring 14 goals and creating five assists.
With all of the top Premier League clubs chasing his signature, it is expected that Ferguson is a future Ireland captain and goal scoring hero in the making for the Boys in Green.
Kevin Zefi (25 years old)
The former Shamrock Rovers youth prospect is impressing for Inter Milan and is tipped to have a bright future in the game.
Zefi is raising eyebrows in Italy as he's scored 14 goals in 10 Under-18 appearances this season for I Nerazzurri.
Overall, as other European clubs monitor Zefi's progress, he is expected to develop into a fine player who will be in contention by the time the 2030 World Cup comes to fruition.
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