Ireland to face Qatar and Canada in summer friendlies

Ireland will play Qatar in Dublin on May 28. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The FAI has confirmed that the Irish men's team will play summer friendlies against Qatar and Canada. 

Heimir Hallgrimsson's side will face Qatar in Dublin on May 28 before travelling to play World Cup co-hosts Canada in Montreal at Stade Saputo on June 6. 

Both sides have already qualified for the World Cup, and have been drawn together in Group B. Ireland will join them as qualifiers for the tournament if they can negotiate March's playoffs. 

"We're delighted to have secured two excellent opponents for the summer window," said Ireland head coach Hallgrimsson.

"Our entire focus is on the play-offs in March, but it is essential to have a clear and challenging plan for what comes next, and facing two teams who will be at the World Cup provides us with exactly the level of preparation we will need. 

"The home game against Qatar at the Aviva will be a great occasion for our supporters, and the trip to Montreal to face a World Cup co-host will be a fantastic and valuable experience for the squad. These fixtures give us a clear and demanding focus for the summer."

Ireland defeated Qatar 4-0 in Dublin in October 2021, seven months after drawing 1-1 with them in Hungary. Qatar had been drawn in Ireland's World Cup qualifying group as they warmed up to host the 2022 tournament but games against them were treated as friendlies.

The game in Montreal will be Ireland's first time playing in Canada. Ireland defeated Canada 3-0 in a 2003 friendly at Lansdowne Road.