Brian Sorensen confirmed as Carla Ward's Ireland assistant coach

Sorensen will link up with manager Carla Ward and the squad for the two-legged playoff with Kazakhstan in October

Brian Sorensen is the new assistant coach for the Ireland WNT. Picture: Kate McShane/Getty Images

Mon, 21 Sep, 2026 - 13:18

Former Everton Women manager Brian Sorensen is the new assistant coach for the Ireland WNT and will take up the role ahead of the World Cup Qualifying Play-Off games.

Sorensen will link up with manager Carla Ward and the squad for the two-legged playoff with Kazakhstan in October and, should Ireland progress, for the games against either Belgium or Poland in November and December.

Sorensen began his coaching career in his native Denmark, where he enjoyed success with IK Skovbakken, Fortuna Hjørring and FC Nordsjælland.

In 2022, Sorensen joined Everton in England’s Women’s Super League and led them to their best ever top-flight finish. After four years, he departed the club and is currently working as a technical advisor to Aston Villa Women.

Sorensen said: “I’m excited to play a part in helping the Ireland Women’s National Team to qualify for their second successive FIFA Women’s World Cup and to work with Carla, the players and the wider staff.

“I’ve greatly admired the Ireland team from afar over recent years and I know from coaching Irish players just how passionate they are to represent their country. This is a fantastic opportunity for the team to reach the World Cup in Brazil and I’ll give everything to help them to achieve that.”

Ward added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Brian to the Ireland Women’s National Team for our FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Play-Offs as his experience will be a great asset to us going into such crucial games.

“Having known Brian for some time, coached against him and know his way of working, we believe that he will be a great fit within the squad and, ultimately, bring a lot of coaching expertise as we look to make history by qualifying for a second World Cup.”

The Ireland WNT will face Kazakhstan in Astana on Friday, October 9th before hosting the same opponent in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork on Tuesday, October 13th, with tickets now available.