Senegal will become the first African team to play at the Aviva Stadium when they visit Ireland for a friendly in June. Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side will then head to Luxembourg for another friendly, their last fixture before World Cup qualification begins in September. Ireland last faced an African side 15 years ago when Algeria visited Dublin with the home side running out 3-0 winners.
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The Republic of Ireland will face some familiar foes in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup as they have been drawn in the same group as Hungary and Armenia, as well as the winners of the Nations League playoff between Portugal and Denmark While there will be relief in the Irish camp at having avoided a five-team group, which would have complicated the calendar planned for 2025 by manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, the prospect of facing either Portugal or Denmark will be daunting although with that comes some hope that results could be managed against Hungary and Armenia.
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The Republic of Ireland will do battle with Bulgaria in March in a promotion/relegation play-off in the Nations League. Today’s draw at UEFA HQ for the play-off had Ireland with four potential opponents from League C, in a two-legged clash to stay in League B. Ireland avoided Kosovo, Slovakia and Armenia but have been paired with Bulgaria.
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Heimir Hallgrimsson has been appointed as the new head coach of the Republic of Ireland. He replaces interim manager John O’Shea, who has been in charge since Stephen Kenny’s departure in November last year. The 57 year old guided Iceland to Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup in Russia before a stint in Qatar. He most recently managed the Jamaican national team at the Copa America.
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Cristiano Ronaldo scored a fine double as a classy Portugal side signed off before Euro 2024 by comfortably beating the Republic of Ireland in Aveiro. Joao Felix opened the scoring for a much-changed Portugal side in the first half, curling home after the hosts caught the Republic out with a short corner. Ronaldo then fired an unstoppable effort into the top corner early in the second half and doubled his tally with a sweeping finish on the hour mark.
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