Ireland to face France, Netherlands and Poland in Group A2

The Republic of Ireland learned on Tuesday in Nyon that they will face France, the Netherlands and Poland in Group A2 of the European qualifying phase for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The draw, held at midday local time, placed Ireland in League A after their recent Nations League promotion play‑off win over Belgium, guaranteeing them at least a seeded place in the World Cup playoffs.

Ireland secured promotion after a two‑leg tie with Belgium in which Abbie Larkins scored late in the second leg to level the aggregate score and force extra time and penalties, following a 4-2 win for Ireland in the first leg at the Aviva Stadium. That result means Ireland will play each group opponent home and away across a condensed schedule next spring and early summer.

Only the winners of the four League A groups will qualify directly for the 32‑team World Cup. Teams finishing second or third in League A will enter a seeded playoff route in October and November or December 2026, beginning against winners or high‑placed teams from League C. Teams finishing fourth will face teams from League B in the first playoff round and will be relegated to League B for the next Nations League....