Courtney Brosnan, Megan Connolly and Leanne Kiernan have returned to the Republic of Ireland squad for next month's 2027 Women's World Cup qualifiers against France and the Netherlands. Everton goalkeeper Brosnan, Lazio midfielder Connolly and forward Kiernan - on loan at Nottingham Forest from Liverpool - all missed the dramatic Nations League play-off win over Belgium in October because of injury. The Republic of Ireland face France at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin on 3 March before travelling to Utrecht to play the Netherlands four days later. Ward is hoping to emulate her predecessor Vera Pauw by leading the Republic of Ireland to next year's finals in Brazil. After beating Belgium 5-4 on aggregate to gain promotion to the top tier of the Nations League, the Republic of Ireland beat Hungary 3-2 in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Marbella.

Source: BBC February 17, 2026 12:54 UTC