Republic of Ireland secures play-off spot after narrow loss to France
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 9:43 PM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
The Republic of Ireland women's national team lost to France in Grenoble on June 9, missing out on automatic World Cup qualification. Despite finishing third in their qualifying group with three wins and three defeats, Ireland secured a seeded play-off for next year's tournament in Brazil. Manager Carla Ward expressed pride in her team's performance throughout the campaign, emphasizing their ability to take on top teams and their upcoming challenge in the play-offs scheduled for October. The match saw Ireland pressing for an equalizer after France's Melvine Malard scored the decisive goal, yet they could not capitalize on a crucial opportunity following a French sending-off.
- •Republic of Ireland fell to France 1-0 in World Cup qualifier.
- •Ireland finishes third in Group A of the qualifying campaign.
- •Ward's side secures a seeded play-off for October.
- •Ireland achieved three victories, including wins over the Netherlands.
- •Ward remains optimistic about the team's future and potential.
- 9:43 PMYahoo Sports — Pain in Grenoble but hope for Irish as play-offs loom
- 9:43 PMBBC Sport — Pain in Grenoble but hope for Irish as play-offs loom
"Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward reacts with pride to their World Cup qualifying campaign as her side fall just short of automatic qualification with defeat against France but does secure a play-off for next year's tournament.
"Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward reacts with pride to their World Cup qualifying campaign as her side fall just short of automatic qualification with defeat against France but does secure a play-off for next year's tournament.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 9:43 PMPain in Grenoble but hope for Irish as play-offs loom
Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward reacts with pride to their World Cup qualifying campaign as her side fall just short of automatic qualification with defeat against France but does secure a play-off for next year's tournament.
- BBC SportJun 9, 2026, 9:43 PMPain in Grenoble but hope for Irish as play-offs loom
Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward reacts with pride to their World Cup qualifying campaign as her side fall just short of automatic qualification with defeat against France but does secure a play-off for next year's tournament.
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