The Republic of Ireland kickoff a new era at home to Belgium in friendly action on March 23 in Dublin.
The FAI are yet to appoint a new permanent head coach, following Stephen Kenny’s exit departure at the end of 2023, with former Manchester United defender John O’Shea taking interim charge.
Belgium are preparing for Euro 2024 this summer, but the Irish missed out on qualification, which ultimately ensured Kenny’s exit.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch it across the world, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
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What time does Ireland vs Belgium kick off?
This international friendly match takes place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Rep. of Ireland and kicks off on Saturday, March 23 at 5:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across some of the major territories:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Sat, Mar. 23 | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| Canada | Sat, Mar. 23 | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| UK | Sat, Mar. 23 | 5:00 p.m. GMT |
| Australia | Sun, Mar. 24 | 4:00 a.m. AEDT |
| India | Sat, Mar. 23 | 10:30 p.m. IST |
Ireland vs Belgium live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this international friendly match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | FOX Sports 2 | Fubo, Fox Sports app/website |
| Canada | — | |
| UK | Viaplay Sports 2 | Viaplay UK |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | — | — |
USA: This game can be streamed on Fubo with Spanish language options available on ViX. Fox Sports will also offer live broadcast coverage.
Canada: This international friendly game streams live on DAZN.
UK: This match is available to watch and stream on Viaplay UK.
Australia: Fans in Australia can stream this match live and on-demand on Optus Sport.
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Ireland vs Belgium lineups, team news
O’Shea will mix experience with youth in his starting line up with captain Seamus Coleman back in the squad following injury. Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson will lead the attack alongside potential debuts for Blackburn Rovers forward Sammie Szmodics and Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien.
Ireland predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Bazunu (GK) — Coleman, Collins, O’Brien, Brady — Knight, Cullen — Ogbene, Ferguson, Johnston — Szmodics.
Ireland subs (9): TBC
Belgium will be without Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku following injury withdrawals from Domenico Tedesco’s squad. Lukaku could return for next week’s clash against England and Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard should start in Dublin.
Belgium predicted XI (4-3-3 right to left): Casteels (GK) — Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate — Mangala, Onana, Tielemans — Bakayoko, Trossard, Doku.
Belgium subs (9): TBC
Ireland vs Belgium prediction
Ireland are in need of some positivity to kickstart 2024 and the freshness of O’Shea and some new faces in the squad should do just that for the home side.
Belgium’s injury issues will also give Ireland an opportunity to claim a solid result ahead of welcoming Switzerland to the Aviva Stadium next week.
Prediction: Ireland 1-1 Belgium
