France vs Northern Ireland friendly 2026 date, kick-off time and ticket info
The Irish FA has confirmed a huge summer friendly for Northern Ireland.Michael O’Neill’s side may have missed out on the World Cup finals, but they will take on one of the best nations on the planet this June.O’Neill’s men will face Kylian Mbappe’s France this summer, as both sides prepare for very different challenges further down the line.Here’s more info on the game.When and where is the friendly?France vs Northern Ireland will take place at the Decathlon Arena Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille Métropole on Monday, June 8, 2026.What time is kick-off?The game is scheduled to kick off at 8.10pm Irish time.World Cup warm-upFrance will be using the fixture as part of their final preparations for the 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico. The French are drawn against Senegal, Norway and Iraq. Northern Ireland will use the fixture as prep for their Nations League campaign. Michael O’Neill’s side are in League B, Group B2 and face Hungary, Ukraine and Georgia in September, October and November this year.What has been said?Irish FA Technical Director, Aaron Hughes, said: “This is exactly the level of challenge we want. France are one of the top sides in world football so it’s a great test for our players.”Irish FA President, Conrad Kirkwood, said: “This fixture marks ten years since UEFA Euro 2016 when our brilliant fans created such special memories so it’s a fitting occasion as we look forward.”Last meetingThe two sides last met 27 years ago when France claimed a 1-0 win in Belfast. Ticket infoThe Irish FA say further details, including ticketing information, will be confirmed in due course.Double-headerThis game is the second of two away friendly matches in June. The date, venue and opponent of the first game will be announced in due course.
