World Cup play-off: Ireland to face Kazakhstan in semi-final

Should Carla Ward's women overcome that semi-final challenge, Belgium or Poland await.

Ireland head coach Carla Ward. Pic: Ben Brady/Inpho

Carla Ward's Republic of Ireland WNT side will face Kazakhstan in their 2027 World Cup play-off semi-final.

Kazakhstan, who are ranked 100th in the world, will host Ireland in October before Ward and Co. welcome their counterparts in the second-leg thereafter. 

Should they overcome that semi-final challenge, Belgium or Poland await as Ireland look to book their ticket to Brazil and qualify for a second World Cup in-a-row.

Ireland have overcome their potential final opponents of late, edging Belgium in last October’s Nations League promotion/relegation play-off and seeing off Poland twice en route to qualification for these play-offs.

Key dates (awaiting confirmation):

Semi-final away leg: Week of October 7

Semi-final home leg: Week of October 13

Potential final away leg: Week of November 26

Potential final home leg: Week of December 5