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The world's no.1 ranked team, Belgium, are to visit the Aviva Stadium on March 26. 

It will be the first time in almost 25-years that the Republic of Ireland have played host to Belgium.

However, those hoping to catch a glimpse of the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku up front are likely to be disappointed.

As observed by HLN, Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez is likely to call upon a squad of players with 50 caps or fewer.

The FAI has also confirmed that Lithuania will be the opposition for Stephen Kenny's side in another friendly on March 29.

A further two friendlies will be played in the November window, with one of them at home.

Ireland's first competitive game of the year comes on April 6, with Ukraine visiting the Aviva in the UEFA Nations League.

The last time Ireland met Belgium on the international stage was a chastening 3-0 defeat for a Martin O'Neill-managed side at Euro 2016.

The Red Devils' last visited Dublin in October of 1997, in the first leg of a World Cup playoff. Denis Irwin opened the scoring that night, only for Luc Nilis to score a precious away goal.

In fifteen encounters between the countries, Ireland have won on just four occasions with their last victory at home coming in 1929.

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Aviva Stadium Belgium Republic Of Ireland Roberto Martinez Stephen Kenny

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