Soccer

Ireland to face Belgium in Dublin friendly at the end of March

Kenny's side meet Red Devils on March 16th, Lithuania will also play at the Aviva Stadium

Romelu Lukaku scores Belgium’s first goal against the Republic of Ireland during the Euro 2016 match at Stade Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux, France. Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty Images

Gavin Cummiskey's face
Gavin Cummiskey
Tue Jan 25 2022 - 15:41

Belgium will face the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva stadium on Saturday, March 26th with Lithuania visiting Dublin the following Tuesday in the second of two friendly internationals.

However, the world number one ranked nation may exclude super stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Romelu Lukaku. The fixture is being downplayed in the Belgium media with manager Roberto Martínez only expected to call up players with less than 50 caps.

The two friendlies in March at a sold-out Aviva are vital for the FAI to continue servicing a debt of €62.4 million.

“Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland side will use these games as warm-ups for the start of the UEFA Nations League campaign in June,” the FAI confirmed, “when they face Ukraine, Armenia and Scotland in four fixtures including home ties with Ukraine on Saturday, June 4th and Scotland on Saturday, June 11th.”

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The association has yet to agree terms on a new contract for Kenny that would secure the Dubliner’s position up to the Euros in 2024.

The last meeting with Belgium’s golden generation was a 3-0 drubbing in Bordeaux, when Lukaku scored twice, during Euro 2016.

The FAI have also confirmed that Kenny’s Ireland will play one of their two November friendlies at the Aviva.

Eden HazardKevin De BruyneRoberto MartinezRomelu LukakuStephen Kenny