Republic of Ireland U21s’ opening game of the 2025 U21 EURO qualifications will come against Türkiye at home in September.

It’s the first time the two nations have met at this age grade since they were drawn against each other in qualifying for the 2013 U21 EUROs. Türkiye won both games against Ireland 1-0.

The Under-21s were drawn in Group A along with Italy, Norway, Türkiye, Latvia and San Marino. For the first time in their history Ireland U21s were seeded in Pot B having been in Pot D as recently as 2019.

It will be the first competitive game for Jim Crawford’s Under-21s since their Two-Legged Play-Off against Israel in September. They will prepare for this fixture with a friendly against Iceland at Turner’s Cross in Cork and a series of friendlies in the June international window which are yet to be confirmed.

Match Details

Fixture: Ireland U21s v Türkiye U21s
Competition: UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifier
Venue: TBC
Date: Friday, September 8 (this is subject to change)
Kick-off: TBC
TV: TBC
Tickets: Ticket information will be released in due course.

Last 3 meetings

14.08.2012 | Ireland 0-1 Turkey, UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifier
06.09.2011 | Turkey 1-0 Ireland, UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifier
07.09.2011 | Turkey 1-0 Ireland, UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifier

Fact

Ireland’s last win over Türkiye at Under-21s level was a 3-2 victory in 1990 at Dalymount Park. Two goals from Tony Cousins and a late Vincent Arkins strike were enough to seal the win.