Ireland to open Nations League group with home fixtures
The Republic of Ireland will open their 2027 UEFA Women's Nations League A campaign with home double header in March against Switzerland and Norway.
Carla Ward’s side welcome Switzerland on Tuesday, 2 March, followed by the visit of Norway four days later.
The first away assignment is a daunting one as the Girls in Green take on world champions Spain Tuesday, 20 April. The game represents a first meeting of the countries in more than a decade.
That’s followed by a trip to Switzerland on Saturday, 24 April.
The campaign will culminate in the June window, beginning with a marquee home clash against Spain on Friday, 11 June, before Ireland round off their group stage away to Norway on Tuesday, 15 June.
Match venues and kick-off times for all six fixtures will be announced in due course.
Next month Ireland face Poland in a World Cup play-off final, with the first leg in Gdansk on Tuesday, 1 March before the return leg at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 5 December.
Ireland will enter the Nations League campaign seeking to establish themselves as a top European side, with the added cherry of potential qualification for LA 2028 Olympics, should they top the group.
Reflecting on the draw earlier his week, head coach Ward quipped: "Who doesn't want to play against the world champions?
Republic of Ireland head coach Carla Ward
"From the moment I took this job, I’ve said time and time again that we want to test ourselves against the very best, and this is our opportunity. Spain are the best team in the world right now; their quality is exceptional and nobody really comes close to them.
"There are no easy games at this level in League A. Norway have real prestige as former world champions, and on paper they possess one of the strongest squads in world football. They're also managed by a good friend of mine in Gemma Grainger, so I'm really looking forward to going up against her.
"Switzerland are another really difficult prospect, just off the back of a solid campaign and very capable, developing side who have picked up strong results recently."
Republic of Ireland Nations League A schedule
Tuesday, 2 March: Republic of Ireland v Switzerland
Saturday, 6 March: Republic of Ireland v Norway
Tuesday, 20 April: Spain v Republic of Ireland
Saturday, 24 April: Switzerland v Republic of Ireland
Friday, 11 June: Republic of Ireland v Spain
Tuesday, 15 June: Norway v Republic of Ireland
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