The Republic of Ireland will have to overcome a familiar opponent to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil next summer.
Carla Ward’s team have been drawn against Kazakhstan in the playoff semi-final, over two legs on October 7th, away from home, and October 13th in Tallaght or at the Aviva Stadium.
If Ireland progress past the country ranked 100th in the world, they will face the winners of Belgium and Poland over two legs on November 26th and December 5th.
Ireland avoided relegation to Nations League B last October by edging out Belgium over two legs thanks to Abbie Larkin’s 90th minute winner in Leuven.
In April they beat Poland home and away in the World Cup qualifiers with inspirational performances from Katie McCabe, Denise O’Sullivan and Emily Murphy, along with two goals from Marissa Sheva , ensuring a seeded playoff draw after finishing third behind France and the Netherlands in Group A2.
Seven European nations will progress through the playoffs to join Spain, France, Denmark, and Germany at a tournament that takes place across eight Brazilian cities from June 24th next year.
The eighth ranked European side that comes through the playoffs will be rerouted to an inter-confederation playoff in February 2027.
Ireland avoided drawing Israel in a playoff final as Israelis drew Switzerland and potentially the winners of Kosovo versus Austria.
European champions England should breeze through their playoff semi-final against Greece before facing the winner from Slovakia and Ukraine.
Wales must overcome Albania and the winner of Romania versus Norway while Scotland were drawn against the Czech Republic with Lithuania or Sweden waiting in the next round.
Northern Ireland have a tough tie against Portugal with Croatia or Iceland awaiting in the winner.
Read the full article at The Irish Times →📄Source document: FIFA 2027 Women's World Cup Qualification Draw→2 reports
The Irish TimesIndependent🔒Center3 days agoThe Republic of Ireland has been drawn against Kazakhstan in the Women’s World Cup play-off semi-finals. If Ireland wins this match, they will face the winners of Belgium and Poland in the final. Ireland previously avoided relegation in the Nations League by defeating Belgium and secured a seeded playoff position by finishing third in their group. Seven European teams will qualify for the World Cup, with the eighth-place finisher entering an inter-confederation playoff in 2027.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about sports qualifications and matches without any political commentary or biased language. It focuses solely on the sporting events and outcomes.
RTÉ NewsState / PublicCenter3 days agoIreland's women's national team, known as the Republic of Ireland, must defeat either Belgium or Poland in upcoming play-offs to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. The team previously faced both countries in the UEFA Nations League, including a close victory over Poland and a relegation play-off against Belgium.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about sports qualifications and match schedules without any overt political commentary or biased language. It focuses on the sporting outcomes and does not engage with political issues.
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