Ireland to face Malta on day of World Cup opener

The Republic of Ireland will take on Malta in an international friendly on the same day the World Cup gets underway in Qatar.

The FAI has confirmed two November international friendlies, with the Boys in Green travelling to the Centenary Stadium in Ta' Qali to face Malta on Sunday 20 November, the same day Qatar host Ecuador in the opening day of the 2022 World Cup.

A kick-off time has yet to be decided.

The World Cup opener begins at 4pm Irish time.

Three days before the away assignment in Malta, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard could be among the big names in action when Norway visit the Aviva Stadium on Thursday 17 November (7.45pm).

Norway sit nine places ahead of Ireland in the world rankings in 36th, while Malta are currently in 169th position.

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