Ireland will play world champions Brazil in an international friendly in Dublin on February 18, the Football Association of Ireland said.

Ireland, who failed to qualify for the Euro 2004 finals, will also host the Czech Republic in March.

"It is fantastic to be able to bring the highest calibre opposition to Dublin," Ireland manager Brian Kerr told the FAI web site.

"It's a great opportunity for our squad to show their abilities against the best in the world and will provide excellent preparation for World Cup 2006 qualifying games."

Ireland will face France, Switzerland, Israel, Cyprus and the Faroe Islands in European qualifying Group Four for the 2006 World Cup finals, which take place in Germany.