Carla Ward has named a 24-player squad for a pivotal FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying double-header against Poland next month, as the Republic of Ireland’s campaign for 2027 qualification moves on to it’s next stage.
Ireland will travel to Gdansk for the first meeting at the Gdansk Stadium on April 14 before hosting the return fixture at the Aviva Stadium on April 18, in what is shaping up to be a defining window in the group.
Ward has retained faith in the core group that delivered strong performances against top-tier opposition in recent narrow defeats to France and the Netherlands. Those displays, while not rewarded with points, have reinforced belief within the camp that the team can compete at the highest level.
A notable inclusion is Bohemians teenager Aoibhe Brennan, who earns her first senior call-up following an impressive start to the domestic season.
Ward was present at Dalymount Park to witness Brennan’s standout performance in a 3-0 victory over Cork City, underlining the increasing tie between domestic league visibility and international pathway progression.
There are also significant returns from injury that will strengthen the squad depth. Lily Agg is back in contention for the first time since 2024 following recovery from a serious knee injury, while Jess Ziu returns after her last involvement during the play-off fixtures against Georgia in October 2025. Both additions bring valuable experience and versatility at a critical stage of the campaign.
From a strategic perspective, the double-header against Poland carries considerable weight. Securing a minimum third-place finish in the group remains a key objective for Ireland, offering a more favourable pathway into the play-offs and sustaining momentum towards qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The squad also continues to highlight the increasingly international footprint of Irish players, with representation across the Women’s Super League, Championship and leagues in Europe and the United States. This spread reflects the growing professionalisation of the women’s game and the importance of maintaining strong connections between international performance and club development environments.
Commercially, the home fixture at the Aviva Stadium presents another opportunity to build on the rising visibility and support for the Women’s National Team, with tickets already on general sale. Continued attendance growth and engagement will be a key barometer of the broader trajectory of the women’s game in Ireland.
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