Ireland women qualify for 2027 World Cup playoffs

The Republic of Ireland women’s national team will enter the UEFA playoffs for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after a 1-0 defeat to France in Grenoble on Tuesday, June 9. The result secured automatic qualification for the French side and relegated Ireland to third place in their League A qualifying group.

A spectacular overhead kick from French striker Melvine Malard just before halftime proved the difference in a tightly contested match. Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan made several key saves to keep her team in the game, and the visitors improved in the second half after the introduction of forward Abbie Larkin. A late red card for France’s Thiniba Samoura gave Ireland a numerical advantage and a final opportunity, but a dangerous free-kick from captain Katie McCabe and other late chances could not produce an equalizer.

The outcome, combined with the Netherlands' 3-1 victory over Poland, meant the Dutch finished second in the group with 11 points, pushing Ireland down to third on 9 points. Despite the setback, Ireland’s campaign has already secured a seeded place in the upcoming qualification playoffs due to their performance in the previous UEFA Women’s Nations League.