Ireland Beat Kazakhstan 4–0

Ireland’s women are one play-off tie away from the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after beating Kazakhstan 4–0 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh tonight, Tuesday, 13 October. The victory completed a comprehensive 12–0 aggregate success, following Friday’s outstanding 8–0 win in Astana.

Carla Ward’s side arrived in Cork with qualification for the next round firmly within their grasp. Another four goals and a second clean sheet ensured they finished the job convincingly, giving supporters plenty to celebrate as attention turns towards the decisive stage of the campaign.

Across the two matches, Ireland demonstrated their attacking strength while keeping Kazakhstan scoreless. The first leg featured goals from seven different players, with Kyra Carusa scoring twice and Chloe Mustaki, Emily Murphy, Abbie Larkin, Jamie Finn, Shanade Hopcroft and Jessie Stapleton also finding the net. Hopcroft marked her senior international debut with a goal. 

Poland now stand between Ireland and Brazil. They secured their place in the next round by defeating Belgium on penalties tonight, confirming a meeting with the Girls in Green in a two-legged World Cup qualification showdown.

Ireland can take encouragement from their previous encounters with Poland during this qualifying campaign. They won 3–2 away on 14 April and followed that with a 1–0 home victory on 18 April. Those results offer confidence, although a decisive play-off brings fresh pressure and both teams will start again with everything to play for. 

The FAI’s published calendar currently schedules the next round for Tuesday, 1 December, and Saturday, 5 December 2026, subject to final confirmation. Ireland will play the first leg away in Poland before hosting the return match. Venues and kick-off times remain to be confirmed. 

If Ireland win that tie on aggregate, they qualify directly for the World Cup. Although UEFA’s format sends one of the eight second-round winners into an additional intercontinental play-off, Ireland’s qualifying ranking guarantees that a successful Irish side would receive one of the seven direct places. There would be no further qualifying hurdle. 

The tournament takes place in Brazil from 24 June to 25 July 2027. Qualification would secure Ireland’s second consecutive Women’s World Cup appearance, following their historic debut in Australia in 2023.

Tonight belongs to the players and supporters celebrating in Cork. Next comes Poland, two demanding matches, and the opportunity to bring Ireland back to football’s biggest stage.