NI and Republic of Ireland learn World Cup routes
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland both face tricky play-off ties in their bid to reach the World Cup
- Published
Northern Ireland face a difficult 2027 Women's World Cup play-off with Portugal, while the Republic of Ireland will take on Kazakhstan.
Michael McArdle's side will be underdogs against Portugal, who beat NI twice in Euro 2025 qualifying.
If they can win that game, then either Iceland or Croatia await in the second round of play-offs.
Given their play-off ranking, even if Northern Ireland could stun two of Europe's biggest sides they could still face an additional inter-continental play-off to make it to the finals in Brazil.
The Republic of Ireland, who qualified for a first World Cup in 2023, will face a first round tie with Kazakhstan.
If Carla Ward's side progress, then they will face either Belgium or Poland in a bid to reach the finals.
The first round ties will take place in October, while the second play-off round is scheduled for the international window in November and December.
The odds are stacked against Northern Ireland to make it to a first World Cup.
Portugal, who qualified for their first World Cup in 2023, hammered Northern Ireland 4-0 in Leiria in Euro 2025 qualifying two years ago.
The return game at Mourneview Park was much closer, with Portugal winning 2-1, but McArdle's side will be big underdogs for the game.
The first leg will be played in Northern Ireland and dates for the game have yet to be confirmed.
If they can stun Portugal, then more familiar faces in either Iceland or Croatia await.
Northern Ireland defeated Croatia 2-1 on aggregate in the first round of Euro 2025 play-offs, but were beaten 5-0 on aggregate by Iceland in a Nations League play-off last year.
Even if Northern Ireland manage to progress through the two rounds, there is still a possibility they could face an additional tie to reach the finals in Brazil.
Difficult tie for Republic of Ireland
Abbie Larkin's late goal in Belgium earned League A promotion for the Republic of Ireland last year
The Republic of Ireland made history by qualifying for the World Cup in 2023 and will be hopeful of reaching back-to-back tournaments.
Ward's side had a strong qualifying campaign and narrowly missed out on automatic qualification when losing in France in their final game.
While they have to travel a long way for their play-off with Kazakhstan, it is a tie they will be favourites to win, especially with a home second leg against the lowest-ranked side in the play-offs.
If they can navigate the first round, then a difficult second round tie awaits against either Poland or Belgium.
Despite being the lower-seeded team, Belgium would be dangerous opponents for Ward's side.
Last year, Abbie Larkin scored a last-minute goal in Belgium to earn promotion to League A on aggregate, which was the springboard for their qualifying campaign.
The Republic of Ireland twice defeated Poland in World Cup qualifying - a 3-2 win in Gdansk before a 1-0 victory in Dublin - so will be optimistic should they meet again in the second play-off round.
It's a difficult route to Brazil for the Republic of Ireland, but it is certainly achievable.
Why could NI face additional play-off?
Northern Ireland finished third in their qualifying group behind Switzerland and Turkey
If Northern Ireland stun both Portugal and then either Croatia or Iceland, there could still be one final hurdle to come before reaching the World Cup.
Of the eight play-off winners, the lowest-ranked side will be forced to go into an inter-continental play-off in March.
Given Northern Ireland's current Nations League seeding of 26th, and the fact the path one sides are expected to take up the vast majority of the play-off places, it would leave Northern Ireland vulnerable to face the extra tie.
While the CONCACAF and African teams have yet to be confirmed, possible opponents include the likes of Papa New Guinea, Ecuador, Venezuela, Uzbekistan or Chinese Taipei.
Going off the current ranking of teams, even if all the top-seeded sides in each tie make it through, the Republic of Ireland would not be in danger of falling into the inter-continental play-off due to their League A status.
Play-off draw
First round path one:
Lithuania v Sweden
Romania v Norway
Greece v England
Croatia v Iceland
Kazakhstan v Republic of Ireland
Kosovo v Austria
Hungary v Netherlands
Belarus v Italy
First round path two:
Albania v Wales
Turkey v Slovenia
Slovakia v Ukraine
Israel v Switzerland
Belgium v Poland
Czech Republic v Scotland
Northern Ireland v Portugal
Finland v Serbia
Second round:
Slovakia or Ukraine v Greece or England
Finland or Serbia v Belarus or Italy
Northern Ireland or Portugal v Croatia or Iceland
Albania or Wales v Romania or Norway
Israel or Switzerland v Kosovo or Austria
Czech Republic or Scotland v Lithuania or Sweden
Belgium or Poland v Kazakhstan or Republic of Ireland
Turkey or Slovenia v Hungary or Netherlands
New episodes of Women's Football Weekly podcast drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed
