Republic of Ireland to face Zambia in friendly prior to World Cup

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Vera Pauw's side will now face Zambia and France prior to the World Cup Credit: Gerry Shanahan (ETPhotos)

The FAI have announced that the Republic of Ireland will host Zambia in an International Friendly on Thursday, June 22 at Tallaght Stadium as they prepare for the World Cup in Australia this summer.

The Irish team will also play France in Tallaght two weeks later on the 6th July as a send off before the team’s first ever appearance at a major tournament.

Ireland will play Nigeria in Bisbane in Group B and Zambia will be the second opportunity in recent times for Vera Pauw’s squad to take on African opposition in preparation – they recorded a 4-0 victory over Morocco in November.

Ireland are currently in a training camp in Spain, which involved a behind-closed-doors game against Germany last Friday and an official game with China PR on Wednesday. They will have a second camp in April.

 Zambia finished third in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – beating Nigeria 1-0 in their Third-Place game – to secure a spot at this summer’s main tournament, where they will make their World Cup debut.

International Friendly
Republic of Ireland v Zambia
Thursday, June 22
Tallaght Stadium
KO 19:30