Ireland set for June friendlies with Senegal and Luxembourg

Republic of Ireland will play Senegal for the first time this summer, while there will also be an away clash with Luxembourg for Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side.

The two friendlies will form the June international window with World Cup qualifying beginning in September.

Ireland will host Senegal, who are ranked 17th in the FIFA world rankings, for the first match at the Aviva Stadium before travelling to Luxembourg for another friendly on Tuesday, 10 June, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

A date has yet to be finalised for the Senegal clash but it will definitely be before the Luxembourg game.

Senegal, who were African Cup of Nations champions in 2021 and reached the round of 16 at the FIFA 2022 World Cup a year later, will become the first African nation to play at the Aviva Stadium.

The last time Ireland hosted a team from the continent was back in 2010 when we ran out 3-0 winners against Algeria at the RDS Arena and we also hosted South Africa a year before in Thomond Park, where we were 1-0 winners.

Ireland will then travel to Luxembourg for their final fixture before the start of FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying in September.

Ireland last played Luxembourg in 2021 where they were 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Shane Duffy, Chiedozie Ogbene and Callum Robinson.

Ireland boss Hallgrímsson said: “I’m delighted the association has been able to secure top quality opposition in Senegal, testing ourselves against a top tier international side is crucial for the players’ development but also for our preparations for World Cup qualifying which starts in September.

“It is also a fixture which should excite the players and supporters alike, playing against players from top leagues from around the world in what will be our first-ever international fixture against each other and we look forward to welcoming them to Dublin.

“We will then travel to Luxembourg, a different type of test for our players away from home and crucially, our final game before the World Cup campaign starts. Both matches are equally important in our preparations and we look forward to an important window.”

Republic of Ireland’s June international fixtures:

• TBC – Republic of Ireland v Senegal, Aviva Stadium, TBC
• 10 June – Luxembourg v Republic of Ireland, Stade de Luxembourg, 7.45pm