'Nothing can take my attention' - Ward on World Cup

What the report says

Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward says her full attention is on guiding the team to the Women’s World Cup, despite speculation linking her with a return to the Women’s Super League and a possible vacancy at Aston Villa. BBC Sport reports that Ward, who took over from Eileen Gleeson in January 2025, said she is not entertaining any other job while Ireland prepare for the decisive stages of qualification.

Ireland face Kazakhstan in a two-legged play-off, starting with an away match at the Astana Arena on Friday before the return leg in Cork four days later. If they progress, they will meet either Belgium or Poland in a final play-off round for a place at next summer’s tournament in Brazil. Ward described the next four matches as “cup finals” and said the squad must leave everything on the pitch if they are to reach the finals.

The Republic of Ireland qualified for a Women’s World Cup for the first time in 2023, although they did not get out of the group stage in Australia and New Zealand. Reaching Brazil would be another major step for the side, and Ward said the team has made strong progress since her appointment.

Ireland will have to cope without several senior players for the first leg, including captain Katie McCabe, Marissa Sheva, Denise O’Sullivan, Tara O’Hanlon and Saoirse Noonan. BBC Sport says Crystal Palace midfielder Shanade Hopcroft has been called up for the first time, with Ward expressing confidence that other players can step in.