Get ready, football fans! The Republic of Ireland women's national team is gearing up for an exciting journey, and it all starts with a high-stakes clash. Their quest for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup begins at home against none other than France!
Drawn into Group A2, Ireland faces a tough road, battling against formidable opponents: France, the Netherlands, and Poland. Their goal? To secure a spot in the final tournament, set to be held in Brazil in 2027.
The qualifying campaign kicks off with a bang. Ireland will host France on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026. This match marks the 15th time these two teams have met at the senior women’s level. France, currently ranked 6th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, will undoubtedly be a challenging opponent.
Following the home game against France, Ireland will hit the road, traveling to face the Netherlands, who currently hold the 11th spot in the rankings.
April will be a crucial month, as Carla Ward’s team takes on Poland in back-to-back matches. The first match is away on Tuesday, April 14th, followed by a home game on Saturday, April 18th. Poland is currently ranked 26th in the world.
The group stage wraps up in June. Ireland will host the Netherlands on Friday, June 5th, and then travel to France on Tuesday, June 9th.
Negotiations regarding match venues and kick-off times are underway, and ticket details will be announced soon.
Here’s a quick recap of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier fixtures:
- Tuesday, March 3rd: Ireland vs. France
- Saturday, March 7th: Netherlands vs. Ireland
- Tuesday, April 14th: Poland vs. Ireland
- Saturday, April 18th: Ireland vs. Poland
- Friday, June 5th: Ireland vs. Netherlands
- Tuesday, June 9th: France vs. Ireland
But here's where it gets interesting... Considering the rankings, do you think Ireland has a realistic chance of progressing? What strategies should they employ to overcome these strong teams? Share your thoughts in the comments below!