Women's World Cup 2027: Republic of Ireland Draw Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland Face Portugal in Play-Off Semi-Finals
The Republic of Ireland have been drawn to face Kazakhstan and Northern Ireland will meet Portugal in the semi-finals of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying play-offs, with both Irish teams learning their routes to the tournament in Brazil following the draw held on 18 June.
Background
Women's football on the island of Ireland has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. The Republic of Ireland's historic qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand — the country's first-ever appearance at the tournament — marked a watershed moment for the game, generating unprecedented public interest and media coverage. The team's performances in Australia, while ultimately ending in the group stage, demonstrated that Irish women's football had arrived on the world stage.
Northern Ireland's women's team has been on a similar trajectory, albeit at a slightly earlier stage of development. The team has made significant strides in recent years, qualifying for the play-off rounds of major tournaments and building a squad with genuine quality across all positions. The appointment of experienced coaching staff and increased investment from the Irish Football Association have accelerated the team's development.
The 2027 Women's World Cup, to be hosted by Brazil, represents the next major target for both teams. The qualifying process for European nations involves a group stage followed by play-off rounds for those who do not qualify automatically, and both the Republic and Northern Ireland have navigated their respective groups to reach the play-off semi-finals.
Key Developments
The draw for the play-off semi-finals, held on 18 June, produced contrasting ties for the two Irish teams. The Republic of Ireland, seeded by virtue of their higher FIFA ranking, were drawn against Kazakhstan — a side that has been improving steadily but that represents a more manageable opponent than some of the alternatives. Northern Ireland, drawn in a different section of the play-off bracket, will face Portugal, a team that has been one of the most improved sides in European women's football over the past four years.
Republic manager Carla Ward described her side as being in a "really good place" heading into the autumn play-offs, expressing confidence in the squad's quality and depth. Ward, who took charge of the Republic following the departure of Vera Pauw, has been building a cohesive unit that blends experienced internationals with a new generation of talented young players.
The play-off matches are scheduled across October, November, and December 2026, with the semi-final ties played over two legs. The winners of the semi-finals will advance to a final play-off round, with the ultimate prize being a place in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
Why It Matters
For the Republic of Ireland, the draw against Kazakhstan represents a genuine opportunity to reach the final play-off round. Kazakhstan has been improving, but the Republic's squad — which includes players from the Women's Super League in England and other top European leagues — should have the quality to progress over two legs. The key will be maintaining the form and cohesion that Ward has been building since taking charge.
For Northern Ireland, the draw against Portugal is a more demanding test. Portugal has been investing heavily in women's football and has produced a generation of technically accomplished players who compete at the highest club level in Europe. The tie will require Northern Ireland to be at their very best, but the team has shown in recent years that it is capable of competing with sides ranked above them.
The prospect of both Irish teams reaching the 2027 World Cup would be an extraordinary achievement — one that would transform the landscape of women's football on the island and generate the kind of sustained public interest that the game needs to continue its growth.
Local Impact
The play-off semi-final ties will be played at venues to be confirmed, with the home legs expected to be held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin for the Republic and at Windsor Park in Belfast for Northern Ireland. Both venues have hosted women's internationals in recent years, and the play-off ties are expected to generate significant ticket demand. The FAI and IFA have both indicated they will work to maximise attendance and create an atmosphere that reflects the importance of the occasions.
For the women's game at club level in Ireland — the Women's Premier Division in the Republic and the Women's Premiership in Northern Ireland — the success of the national teams provides a significant boost in terms of visibility and interest. Young players who watch the national teams compete at the highest level are inspired to develop their own game, and the pipeline of talent flowing into the domestic leagues has been growing steadily.
What's Next
Both teams will resume their domestic and club commitments over the summer before beginning their preparations for the play-off semi-finals in the autumn. The Republic of Ireland's next competitive fixtures are expected in September, with the play-off semi-final first legs scheduled for October. Northern Ireland's schedule follows a similar pattern. Both managers are expected to name extended squads for the autumn campaign, with the play-off ties representing the most important matches either team has faced since the 2023 World Cup qualifying campaign.
