Carla Ward’s side take on the talented Dutch in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Friday night.This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Ireland players train ahead of the World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands(Image: INPHO/Tom Maher)
The men might have missed out on this summer’s World Cup, but in Cork on Friday night Ireland are looking to move another step closer to next year’s Women’s World Cup.
Carla Ward’s side are in action against the Netherlands at Páirc Uí Chaoimh knowing that a win tonight coupled with a victory next Tuesday away to France would seal automatic qualification.
Now, given the strength of Ireland’s final two opponents, this is an unlikely outcome.
But we said the same last November when Heimir Hallgrímsson’s men headed into their games against Portugal and Hungary.
Is someone in Ward’s squad ready to be their Troy Parrott?
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is 7.30pm.
Where is the game being played?
The home of Cork GAA, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, is once again hosting women’s international football.
Where can I watch it?
If you aren’t going to the game, then RTÉ2 is broadcasting the game live, while it is being streamed on RTÉ Player. Live coverage begins at 7pm.
Can I still get tickets?
Yep. Tickets are available here.
What’s the math?
Two wins in their final two games – against the Netherlands tonight and away to France next Tuesday – and Ireland are on their way to Brazil in 2027. Anything else and a play-off is already guaranteed. The back-to-back wins against Poland in the last window means, barring two Ireland defeats and six points for the Poles in this window, Carla Ward’s side will have an easier play-off path.
How good are the Dutch?
Well, they currently top the qualifying group with eight points thanks to the four points they picked up against second placed France, who have seven points. Ireland are third with six and Poland have one.
The Dutch are currently ranked 10th in the world, compared to Ireland’s ranking of 23rd, and their squad is packed with players from the top European leagues.
They were World Cup runners-up in 2019, two years after they won their first European Championships.
What’s Carla saying?
“I think we’ve shown a different side of our game, where we can go and try and win games now. I think that there will be that. I think everyone loves being down here (Cork). I think the people of Cork make an awful lot of noise. We heard that last year. If we can get those numbers up in the next couple of days, I think it’s going to be an unbelievable occasion.”
What’s our Páirc Uí Chaoimh record?
This is Ireland’s third game at PUC and so far they have a 100 percent record, with wins against France (3-1) in 2024 and Slovenia (1-0) last year.
How’d the away game go?
Ireland were narrowly defeated 2-1 in Utrecht during the first window of this campaign, but the Dutch had to wait until the 82nd minute before Lineth Beerensteyn’s winner. Katie McCabe got on the scoresheet for Ireland from the penalty spot.
Any team news?
Midfielder Denise O’Sullivan and forward Emily Murphy are both ruled out through suspension after they picked up their second yellow cards of the campaign during last month’s 1-0 win over Poland at the Aviva Stadium.
How are conditions?
It’s been a sunny start to Friday in Cork, but rain and gusty winds are forecast for the afternoon onwards.