With the Ireland Women’s National Team set to play under the Aviva Stadium lights on a Friday night, Abbie Larkin wants the atmosphere to be electric.

Mark it in the diary as the WNT will host Belgium in the First Leg of their 2025 UEFA Women’s Nations League Promotion / Relegation Play-Off on Friday, October 24th, with kick-off set for 19:00.

SECURE YOUR SEAT FOR IRELAND VS BELGIUM

It is a crucial game for Ireland and Larkin, who could earn her 30th WNT cap on the night, is excited about the prospect of playing in front of a lively crowd.

“Hopefully we will have the stadium rocking for the Belgium game,” said Larkin.

Playing in the Aviva Stadium means a lot to the 20-year-old attacker as she grew up nearby in Ringsend. It wasn’t that long ago that she was in the stands as a fan; now she has the opportunity to be a star on the pitch.

Larkin explained: “From where I live I could always hear the roar from the crowd in the Aviva Stadium. I went to most of the matches because my local club, Cambridge FC, got tickets so it was so handy.

“Playing in the Aviva Stadium was always a dream. I knew that the Women’s National Team played in Tallaght but when we came to the Aviva for the first time to play Northern Ireland it was amazing.”

Larkin, who has already scored twice for Crystal Palace in the 2025/26 WSL 2 season, remains humbled by the local support that she receives from family, friends and neighbours.

“It would take less than 10 minutes for me to walk home from the Aviva Stadium. My Ma could have my dinner ready as soon as the game is over,” joked Larkin.

“It’s amazing to be able to see such a class stadium from my house. I’m so grateful to come from a small town that has this kind of stadium around it.”

Larkin’s hope now is to walk out into a stadium that she knows well to an atmosphere that gets everyone connected to the WNT pumped up.

UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE PROMOTION / RELEGATION PLAY-OFF
Ireland v Belgium
Friday, October 24th
Aviva Stadium
KO 19:00
Tickets Available Here