Republic of Ireland to ‘lock in’ for World Cup dream

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Katie McCabe scored in Cork as the Republic of Ireland booked their place in the final play-off round

The final whistle had just blown in Cork, but Katie McCabe's mind was already six weeks ahead.

Eight goals to the good from Friday, the second leg of the Women's World Cup play-off with Kazakhstan was always going to be an easy night for the Republic of Ireland.

There were another four goals on the night, including a powerful strike from McCabe, and it leaves Carla Ward's side just two matches away from the 2027 Women's World Cup.

Poland are the team that stands in their way of making back-to-back finals, and McCabe knows her players will have to rise to the task.

"Two games and we're going to Brazil, but full focus over the next six weeks," the 31-year-old told RTE Sport.

"We need to lock in and be ready."

Republic of Ireland ease into World Cup play-off final with Poland

After thrashing Kazakhstan in the first leg, Ward had wanted to build momentum and captain McCabe was brought back into the starting team after serving a one-game suspension in Astana.

After a shock 4-0 home defeat by Slovenia in Ward's second game in charge in February 2025, the Republic of Ireland have soared from strength to strength.

They beat Belgium in a promotion/relegation play-off to win promotion to League A of the Nations League, and defeated the Netherlands and drew with France to stay in the top tier going forward.

"We've put ourselves in a really good position. The opponents we've faced, top-10 opponents, the girls have done brilliantly.

"Once Carla came in it's a transition period and it takes a bit of time to find our feet.

"We learnt our lesson with that heavy defeat by Slovenia two years ago and we've built and grown. We've tried to gather as much momentum as possible."

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Katie McCabe is looking to lead the Republic of Ireland to consecutive World Cups

While Poland, who defeated Belgium on penalties after a 3-3 draw over the two legs, are a dangerous side – largely thanks for Barcelona striker Ewa Pajor, they lost both games against the Irish during qualifying in April.

"For us, we've played both teams recently and it's going to be different come November.

"We know there's a World Cup place at stake so we need to be ready. It's an exciting one."

McCabe says her summer move to Chelsea, which came after her contract at Arsenal came to an end, has been a "breath of fresh air" and can only help her at club and country.

"The time had come for me to start a new chapter. Ever since I've come in to work with Sonia [Bompastor, Chelsea manager] and the girls it has been brilliant.

"I'm enjoying my football again and I'm just taking it game-by-game, but for me the most important thing is being in the best position to qualify for the World Cup."

McCabe added that the Irish players know what it takes to reach the biggest tournament in the sport, after achieving the feat for the first time in Australia in 2023.

"We've had some highs and lows over the years. It's going to be really important and we'll stick together going into November.

"We'll be doing everything we can to get over the line and get this country to the World Cup again."