Girls in Green Stun Poland 3-2 in World Cup Qualifier to Boost Ireland's Campaign
The Republic of Ireland women's team produced a stunning comeback victory over Poland, winning 3-2 in Gdańsk on 14 April 2026 to claim their first points of the 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign — a result that has injected genuine momentum into Ireland's bid to reach a second successive World Cup finals.
Goals from Emily Murphy, captain Katie McCabe, and Marissa Sheva secured the three points in a pulsating qualifier, with the sides set to meet again in Dublin days later for the return fixture. The win moved Ireland off the bottom of Group A2 and into contention in a group that also features France and the Netherlands.
Background
The Republic of Ireland women's team have undergone significant change since their historic debut at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand — the first time the Girls in Green had qualified for a major tournament. That campaign, under former manager Vera Pauw, captured the imagination of the nation, with captain Katie McCabe scoring Ireland's first-ever Women's World Cup goal with a stunning Olimpico — a goal direct from a corner — against Canada.
The team is now managed by Carla Ward, appointed in early 2026, who has been tasked with building on that breakthrough and guiding Ireland to a second successive World Cup. Ward has inherited a squad with genuine quality, anchored by McCabe — who earned her 100th international cap in October 2025 — and a generation of players who have grown up in the professional era of women's football.
For the 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign, Ireland were drawn into Group A2 alongside France, the Netherlands, and Poland. The group represents a formidable challenge, with France and the Netherlands among the strongest sides in European women's football, but Ireland's opening win in Poland demonstrated they are capable of competing at the highest level.
Key Developments
The victory in Gdańsk was hard-fought. Poland took the lead twice, but Ireland showed the character and quality to respond on each occasion. Emily Murphy opened Ireland's account, before McCabe — as so often — proved decisive with a crucial contribution. Marissa Sheva completed the comeback to seal all three points in what was a significant away performance.
The result was particularly important given the strength of the group. France and the Netherlands are expected to dominate the top two positions, but the third-place finisher may still have a route to the World Cup through the play-offs. Every point against Poland is therefore vital, and the away win set up the return fixture in Dublin with Ireland in a strong position to complete a double over their group rivals.
As of late April 2026, Ireland sit third in Group A2 with six points — behind the Netherlands on eight and France on seven — having won both matches against Poland. The return fixture in Dublin ended 1-0 to Ireland, with Sheva again on the scoresheet, confirming the double over Poland and strengthening Ireland's play-off credentials.
Why It Matters
Women's football in Ireland has been transformed over the past decade, and results like this are both a product of and a catalyst for that transformation. The 2023 World Cup showed what was possible; this qualifying campaign is about proving it was not a one-off. A second successive World Cup qualification would cement Ireland's status as a genuine force in European women's football and deliver another moment of national celebration.
Katie McCabe's continued excellence at the heart of the team is central to that ambition. The Arsenal captain is one of the best players in the world in her position, and her leadership — on and off the pitch — has been instrumental in raising standards and expectations within the squad. The emergence of players like Emily Murphy and Marissa Sheva alongside her suggests Ireland's depth is growing, which bodes well for the campaign ahead.
Local Impact
For Irish football supporters, the win in Poland was the kind of result that makes the early kick-offs and late-night streams worthwhile. Women's football has built a passionate and growing fanbase in Ireland, and the prospect of another World Cup campaign — with home qualifiers at the Aviva Stadium drawing record crowds — is generating real excitement. The FAI's investment in the women's game, and the players' own professionalism and ambition, are delivering tangible results on the pitch.
What's Next
With six points secured from the Poland double-header, Ireland's attention turns to the more demanding fixtures against France and the Netherlands. Those matches will define whether Ireland can secure automatic qualification or must navigate the play-off route. Manager Carla Ward will be encouraged by the character shown in Gdańsk, and the Girls in Green will be determined to make the most of the platform they have built.
Sources: RTÉ Sport — World Cup Qualifier: Ireland v Poland; FAI — 2027 Women's World Cup Qualifier Fixtures; BBC Sport — Republic of Ireland Women
