The Republic of Ireland were this morning placed in Group E for next summer’s World Cup Finals, meaning they will be paired with top seeds Germany, African champions Cameroon, and Saudi Arabia. Mick McCarthy's side will be based in Japan.
Ireland's first match will be on June 1st against Cameroon at 7.30 a.m. Irish time. They will then play Germany at 12.30 p.m. on Wednesday June 6th.
They will conclude their group matches against Saudi Arabia in the World Cup Final Stadium in Yokohama. That match will take place on Tuesday June 11th, again at 12.30 p.m. Irish time.
If Ireland progress to the second round, they will then switch bases from Japan to South Korea.
England coach Sven Goran Eriksson, meanwhile, will kick-off the World Cup against his compatriots of Sweden. They will then take on favourites Argentina and finally the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The opening match of the World Cup will see France play African newcomers Senegal on May 31st in Seoul.
Germany coach Rudi Voeller identified Ireland as the main rivals for qualification, but still believed the former champions would emerge from Group E.
"We have the strongest team in Africa and also Ireland, who have knocked out the Netherlands in qualifying, but I think we can do it," Voeller told German television.
"Ireland may not be a top name but you have to look at their current form and from what they did in qualifying, they have to be regarded as very dangerous opponents.
"They have many players in the premier league and they will be extremely tough to beat."
Group A: France, Senegal, Uruguay and Denmark.
Group B: Spain, Slovenia, Paraguay and South Africa.
Group C: Brazil, Turkey, China and Costa Rica.
Group D: South Korea, Poland, United States and Portugal.
Group E: Germany, Saudi Arabia, Republic of Ireland and Cameroon.
Group F: Argentina, Nigeria, England and Sweden.
Group G: Italy, Ecuador, Croatia and Mexico.
Group H: Japan, Belgium, Russia and Tunisia.