Republic of Ireland to 'lock in' for World Cup dream
Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe is already focused on the final World Cup play-off with Poland after a big win over Kazakhstan.
Key points
- Ireland beat Kazakhstan 4-0 in Cork to reach the Women's World Cup play-off final against Poland.
- Katie McCabe said the team will have "full focus over the next six weeks" before the November matches.
- McCabe called her summer move to Chelsea a "breath of fresh air" for her football.
The Republic of Ireland have advanced to the final round of the 2027 Women's World Cup play-offs after a 4-0 home win over Kazakhstan in Cork. The result completed an 8-0 aggregate victory over the two legs, following Friday's first-leg win.
Carla Ward's side are now two matches away from reaching the World Cup. Poland, who beat Belgium on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate draw, will be their opponents in November.
McCabe sets sights on Poland
Captain Katie McCabe, who returned to the starting team after a one-game suspension, scored a powerful strike in the win. She told RTE Sport that the team will have "full focus over the next six weeks" before facing Poland.
McCabe said Ireland have built momentum since a 4-0 home defeat by Slovenia in Ward's second game in charge in February 2025. She noted the team beat Belgium in a promotion/relegation play-off to reach Nations League League A, and also defeated the Netherlands and Poland twice.
Two games and we're going to Brazil, but full focus over the next six weeks
— Katie McCabe
Chelsea move and World Cup aim
McCabe described her summer move to Chelsea, after her Arsenal contract ended, as a "breath of fresh air" that can help her at club and country. She said she is enjoying her football again and taking it game-by-game.
She added that the Irish players know what it takes to reach the World Cup, having done so for the first time in Australia in 2023. McCabe said the squad will stick together in November and do everything to qualify again.
