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Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland face tough World Cup play-offs

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 11:04 AM

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland face tough World Cup play-offs

Summary

Northern Ireland will play Portugal in the first round of the 2027 Women’s World Cup play-offs, while the Republic of Ireland faces Kazakhstan. Northern Ireland enters the matchup as underdogs, having lost to Portugal in previous qualifiers. The first round matches will take place in October, followed by potential second-round matches in November and December. The Republic of Ireland, having qualified for their first World Cup in 2023, looks to progress after a strong qualifying campaign.

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By the Numbers

•Northern Ireland plays Portugal in the first playoff round.
•Republic of Ireland faces Kazakhstan in their playoff opener.
•Matches scheduled for October, with second rounds in November and December.
•Northern Ireland is seen as an underdog against Portugal.
•Republic of Ireland hopes to build on their 2023 World Cup experience.

Latest Updates

11:04 AMYahoo Sports — NI and Republic of Ireland learn World Cup route
10:56 AMBBC Sport — Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland learn World Cup route

What they're saying

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Northern Ireland face a difficult 2027 Women's World Cup play-off with Portugal, while the Republic of Ireland will take on Kazakhstan.
— Yahoo Sports