The Republic of Ireland team has found out their fate in the play-offs for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
After their huge win over the Netherlands, followed by a valiant display against France, Carla Ward’s side were seeded for this play-off draw, which consists of a two-legged semi-final, followed by a two-legged final.
Ireland being seeded means that they have a home advantage for the second leg in both ties, and after the draw today, they have a great opportunity to make their second straight World Cup.
Katie McCabe celebrates after she scores her sides 2nd goal. Pic: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
In the play-off semi-finals, Ireland will face Kazakhstan, who, at 100th ranked in the World, are the lowest-ranked side Ireland could’ve faced in the semi-final.
Those matches will be played in the October International window, with the first leg likely taking place in Kazakhstan on October 7, followed by a home game on October 13.
Then, in the play-off final, should The Girls in Green advance that far, they’ll face the winner of Poland and Belgium for a place in the World Cup. It is a great draw on paper for Ireland, who beat them twice in April, winning 1-0 at home and 3-2 away.
Abbie Larkin celebrates. Photo by Mick O’Shea/Sportsfile
Ireland has also beaten Belgium in recent memory over two legs.
Just last November, Ireland smashed Belgium 4-2 at the Aviva Stadium in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League play-off, followed by Abbie Larkin’s late winner, sealing the tie with a 2-1 defeat away in the second leg.
Those fixtures will be played over the last week of November and the first week of December, with the second leg potentially seeing Ireland play at home for a chance at qualifying for the World Cup.
In other draws, European Champions England have been paired up with Greece in the semi-finals, followed by a potential tie against the winner of Slovenia and Ukraine. Wales face Albania, followed by a potential tie with either Romania or Norway.
Scotland will have to beat Czechia first, followed by the winner of Lithuania and Sweden. Lastly, Northern Ireland face Portugal in their play-off semi-final, and if they progress past that, face the winner of Croatia and Iceland.