Women’s World Cup 2023: Everything you need to know about Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland World Cup 2023 fixtures, betting odds and statistics

You can read all about Australia, Canada and Nigeria by clicking on their names here.

How did Republic of Ireland qualify?

Republic of Ireland finished second in their UEFA qualifying group, below Sweden but above Finland, Slovakia and Georgia. This saw them advance to the play-off finals, in which they beat Scotland 1-0 at Hampden.

Republic of Ireland’s major tournament record

World Cup

Best World Cup result: Set to make their debut.

European Championships

Best Euros result: Never qualified.

Republic of Ireland at World Cup 2023

Of the 51 current UEFA members that have a women’s team, 18 have featured at a major tournament, with Republic of Ireland set to join that list this summer.

The Girls in Green really upset the odds to get here, first finishing above Finland in UEFA qualifying, courtesy of a 2-1 win in Helsinki and then a 1-0 victory when the two met in Dublin on the penultimate matchday.

With juggernauts Sweden taking the automatic qualification spot in Group A, Ireland were more than happy to settle for a play-off place, traveling to Scotland for a winner takes all, single-elimination tie last October.

With home advantage, the Tartan Army were widely expected to prevail, but Amber Barrett’s toe-poke mid-way through the second half silenced Hampden, sparking wild celebrations back in the Emerald Isle.

So now, can Vera Pauw’s team compete on the world’s stage with the planet’s best?

Earlier this year, Ireland traveled stateside for a double-header against the world champions USA.

Despite losing both games, beaten 2-0 in Austin and 1-0 in St. Louis, they certainly weren’t blow away and were reasonably competitive, which is encouraging.

Before heading Down Under, Ireland will face both Zambia and France in friendlies at Tallaght, expected to get a heroes send-off, having actually not played on home soil since qualification was secured.

Here, the Girls in Green find themselves in a tough group, facing co-hosts Australia on the tournament’s opening night, before taking on Olympic gold medalists Canada and then 11-times WAFCON winners Nigeria.

Their final group match against Nigeria is certainly winnable, but they’ll need to have points on the board before then to prevent that fixture from becoming a dead rubber.

Republic of Ireland team news

Vera Pauw announced the final 23-player squad on Friday 30 June, with Sophie Whitehouse, Harriet Scott, Megan Campbell, Jamie Finn and Leanne Kiernan all not making the cut.

Republic of Ireland′s key players: Louise Quinn

The Third-most capped player in this squad is defender Louise Quinn, behind only Áine O’Gorman and Niamh Fahey.

Quinn can boast over 100 appearances for her country, and will be deployed as the central centre-back in Vera Pauw’s back five, a pivotal position.

Like all her teammates, she’ll make her major tournament debut on 20 July against Australia, but very few Irish players have been competing at such a high level for so long

After a three-year stint in Norway with Eskilstuna United, Quinn then joined Notts County in 2017, only for them to fold a mere two months later.

Quinn was then picked up by Arsenal, spending three seasons with the Gunners, starting in the 2018 League Cup Final win over Man City before also capturing the FAWSL title the following season.

After her contract expired, the defender moved to Fiorentina, scoring the winning goal in a Supercoppa Italiana semi-final victory against A.C. Milan, before I Viola were beaten by Juventus in the final four days later.

Since 2021, Quinn has been with Birmingham City, appointed club captain the day she signed.

Although, the Blues were relegated from the FAWSL in her first season at the club, before missing out on promotion this time round, finishing second in the Championship, one point below Bristol City.

Despite being 32 years old, Louise Quinn remains the linchpin of this teams defence, and will be key as they seek to keep clean sheets against two of the world’s very best.

Republic of Ireland′s key players: Katie McCabe

Another player with Arsenal connections is Katie McCabe, who will lead out her country in their very first World Cup match against Australia in front of over 83,000 fans on 20 July.

Since making her debut in 2015, McCabe has accumulated 72 international caps, scoring seven times during this qualifying cycle, including the opener as Ireland held Sweden to a credible 1-1 draw in Göteborg.

Since 2021, she’s been Republic of Ireland’s captain, the youngest Irish player to ever be given the armband.

At club level, the midfielder has been with Arsenal since December 2015, winning a WSL title, an FA Cup and two League Cups, staring in the Gunners’ Conti Cup Final victory over Chelsea back in March.

Her wonder-strike against Manchester City in April, which proved crucial in terms of Champions League qualification, was voted FAWSL goal of the season.

For her national team, McCabe is usually deployed on the left-wing, although she did fill-in at left-back for the recent double-header against USA.

Either-way, she’s a very versatile and high-quality player, and her manager will be desperately hoping she’s at her best.

Republic of Ireland′s key players: Denise O’Sullivan

Another midfielder playing at a very high level is Denise O’Sullivan, who reached the 100 cap mark earlier this year.

The 29 year old won three successive SWPL titles with Glasgow City and then became a bit of a globetrotter, plying her trade in America, Australia and England.

She spent 18 months with NWSL team Houston Dash before being placed on waivers and joining North Carolina Courage in the summer of 2017.

During this time, O’Sullivan has been loaned out to Canberra United, Western Sydney Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion, each for only a brief period of time during the off-season in the U.S.

Now, she’s back with the Courage full-time, seeking to add to the two NWSL Championships and three Shields she’s already picked up in Cary.

So far in 2023, O’Sullivan has started all 16 of North Carolina’s matches, deployed as a number ten, scoring a 99th minute equaliser in their Challenge Cup opener against Orlando Pride in April.

Assuming Ireland do find the net at their debut World Cup, Denise O’Sullivan could be the player to provide this historic moment.

Republic of Ireland′s possible starting line-up for World Cup 2023

Republic of Ireland′s full squad for World Cup 2023

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Group B table