Republic of Ireland to face Senegal and Luxembourg this summer

Senegal will travel to Aviva Stadium in the June international window for the first-ever fixture between two nations although a date has yet to be finalised.

DUBLIN BOUND: Senegal's Sadio Mane celebrates after scoring in the African Cup of Nations. Pic: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba.

The FAI have confirmed that the Republic of Ireland will face Senegal and Luxembourg in their series of international friendlies this summer.

Senegal will travel to Aviva Stadium in the June for the first-ever fixture between two nations although a date and kick-off time has yet to be finalised.

Heimir Hallgrímsson's side will host Senegal, who are ranked 17th in the FIFA world rankings, for the first match of the summer window before they then take on Luxembourg on Tuesday, June 10, with kick-off at 7.45pm (Irish Time).

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 Africa was back in 2010 when the Boys in Green ran out 3-0 winners against Algeria at the RDS Arena and a year before that the Irish also hosted South Africa, claiming a 1-0 win.

Ireland will then travel to Luxembourg for their final fixture before the start of FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying in September where they won 3-0 on their last visit back in 2021 thanks to goals from Shane Duffy, Chiedozie Ogbene and Callum Robinson.

"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," said Ireland Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson.

"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."

June international fixtures

TBC - Republic of Ireland v Senegal, Aviva Stadium, TBC

June 10 - Luxembourg v Republic of Ireland, Stade de Luxembourg, 7.45pm (Irish Time).