The Republic of Ireland Women's National Team (WNT) take on Kazakhstan in the first leg of their FIFA Women's World Cup Round One play-off tomorrow in Astana.

Carla Ward's side arrived in Kazakhstan on Monday to begin preparations for a fixture located more than 5,000km from home. The Girls in Green will be determined to secure a decisive advantage before returning to Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the second leg on Tuesday night.

Ireland completed their final training session at the Astana Arena earlier this morning. Kick-off for tomorrow’s clash is set for 12:00 PM Irish Time (4:00 PM local time).

Match Details
Fixture: Kazakhstan v Republic of Ireland
Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Kick-off: 4:00 PM local (12:00 PM Irish Time)
Competition: FIFA Women's World Cup Play-off, Round One (First Leg)
Location: Astana Arena, Astana
TV: RTÉ 2 / RTÉ Player

Match Officials
Referee: Karoline Marie Jensen (NOR)
Assistant Referee 1: Monica Løkkeberg (NOR)
Assistant Referee 2: Line Cathrine Nymoen (NOR)
Fourth Official: Fatemeh Zangeneh (NOR)
Video Assistant Referee: Marius Lien (NOR)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Franziska Wildfeuer (GER)

Team News
The Republic of Ireland have suffered a significant injury blow with midfielder Jess Ziu ruled out of the first leg due to a shin problem. Head coach Carla Ward confirmed the setback and indicated that the artificial playing surface at the Astana Arena has played a major role in her selection decisions as she finalises her starting XI.

Ireland will also be without captain Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva, who are both serving suspensions. Additionally, Denise O'Sullivan did not travel with the squad as she continues to manage her fitness/injury recovery, though she is expected to be available for the return leg in Cork next Tuesday.

Interview | Head Coach Carla Ward

On the occasion: "I’ve got a group of players who are all hungry to wear that shirt; they love playing for this country. They are all exceptional players and they love to give me a headache, which is always good for a manager. This is a World Cup play-off. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, whether it’s Kazakhstan, France, Brazil, or the Netherlands, this is the business end of it. We prepare for them exactly as we would prepare for anyone else."

On Kazakhstan: "They have threats on the transition and they are very direct. They look to go in behind quite early, so we have to be prepared for that. As I said, I think we have to prepare for every game as if we’re playing the best in the world, and this is no different. We’ve got to get the job done professionally and with full focus. I have absolute confidence in this group that we will."

On Team Selection: "Everybody is giving us a headache. We’ve looked at different people in different positions. Naturally, if you look at the balance of the squad, there are going to be a couple of players playing out of position, but these players step up wherever asked. They want to play for their country and they want to learn all the time. Whoever goes in there, I have full belief and confidence they will get the job done."

On new player Shanade Hopcroft: "It's only been a couple of sessions, but she’s looked good. She's tidy, and she is someone I think will add good value to the squad. She’s been a good addition. She’s been knocking on the door for a few years, hasn't she? I think Vera [Pauw] looked at her, and she’s been knocking on my door for over a year, but it had to be the right time. Now, it’s an opportunity for her."

Republic of Ireland Squad - Kazakhstan

GOALKEEPERS
Name | Age | Club | Caps | Clean Sheets
Courtney Brosnan | 30 | Everton | 57 | 21
Grace Moloney | 33 | Southampton | 9 | 2
Sophie Whitehouse | 29 | Charlton Athletic | 1 | 0

DEFENDERS
Name | Age | Club | Caps | Goals
Heather Payne | 26 | Leicester City | 51 | 2
Aoife Mannion | 31 | Newcastle United | 25 | 1
Anna Patten | 27 | Aston Villa | 26 | 3
Caitlin Hayes | 31 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 33 | 2
Jessie Stapleton | 21 | Leicester City | 20 | 2
Hayley Nolan | 29 | Crystal Palace | 5 | 0
Megan Connolly | 29 | Lazio | 70 | 4
Chloe Mustaki | 31 | Nottingham Forest | 19 | 0
Katie McCabe | 31 | Chelsea | 107 | 34

MIDFIELDERS
Name | Age | Club | Caps | Goals
Denise O'Sullivan | 32 | Gotham FC | 132 | 22
Tyler Toland | 25 | Burnley | 27 | 1
Marissa Sheva | 29 | Sunderland | 26 | 5
Jamie Finn | 28 | Burnley | 22 | 0
Shanade Hopcroft | 29 | Crystal Palace | 0 | 0
Lucy Quinn | 33 | Sheffield United | 34 | 5
Aoibheann Clancy | 22 | Watford | 1 | 0

ATTACKERS
Name | Age | Club | Caps | Goals
Kyra Carusa | 30 | HB Køge | 46 | 13
Amber Barrett | 30 | Strasbourg | 60 | 10
Abbie Larkin | 21 | Crystal Palace | 37 | 4
Leanne Kiernan | 27 | Newcastle United | 44 | 4
Emily Murphy | 23 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 18 | 2

FIFA Women's World Cup Play-offs 

09/10 | Kazakhstan v Republic of Ireland, Astana Arena, 12pm (4pm local)
14/10 | Republic of Ireland v Kazakhstan, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 7.30pm

Tickets: Tickets for the second leg in Pairc Ui Chaoimh are available now through Ticketmaster here.