INTERNATIONAL football will return to the Principality Stadium later this year when Wales host former World Cup winners Spain in an October friendly.

Wales have not played at the Cardiff venue since 2011 and the match against Julen Lopetegui’s Spain on October 11 is the first between the two countries since 1985.

"We are delighted that we will playing against Spain, arguably the most successful international side in world football during the past few years,” said FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for our supporters to see a great team and world class players.

“We want to provide everyone with the opportunity of watching the game and playing at the Principality Stadium enables us to do so."

Principality Stadium manager Mark Williams added: "It is unquestionable that Principality Stadium is an internationally renowned football venue and we’re pleased to welcome Wales back for their match against Spain.

"Principality Stadium hosted last year’s UEFA Champions League final, working closely with the Football Association of Wales.

"A wide array of footballing greats have graced the hallowed turf of our iconic national stadium and we look forward to seeing the latest generation of Welsh and Spanish stars adding their names to this illustrious list next autumn."

Ian Rush (2) and Mark Hughes scored to give Wales a 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over the Spanish at the Racecourse in Wrexham 33 years ago.

Prior to that match the teams had met each other on four other occasions, two of which ended in a stalemate, with the other two resulting in defeat for Wales.

Spain are among the favourites to the win the World Cup in Russia this summer, where they will come up against Portugal, Morocco and Iran in Group B.

On Monday, the FAW announced that all of Wales’ UEFA Nations League matches and European qualifiers will take place at Cardiff City Stadium.

In the Nations League, Wales will compete against Denmark and the Republic of Ireland, while the draw for the Euro 2020 qualifiers takes place in December.