World Cup 2023: All you need to know about the Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland are gearing up to participate in the Women's World Cup for the first time in their history. 

They achieved this historic feat with a narrow 1-0 victory over Scotland in a play-off, claiming one of the last UEFA spots at the tournament. 

The Girls in Green demonstrated their fighting spirit in two friendlies against the United States last April — losing both matches but causing the reigning world champions plenty of issues. 

Vera Pauw’s side are more than capable of turning a few heads this summer.

Republic of Ireland's group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times

Australia vs Republic of Ireland (Thursday, July 20, 11am)

Canada vs Republic of Ireland (Wednesday, July 26, 1pm) 

Republic of Ireland vs Nigeria (Monday, July 31, 11am)

Predicted XI

GK: Courtney Brosnan 
RWB: Heather Payne 
CB: Niamh Fahey 
CB: Louise Quinn 
CB: Megan Connolly
LWB: Katie McCabe
CM: Denise O'Sullivan
CM: Ruesha Littlejohn
RW: Sinead Farrelly
ST: Kyra Carusa
LW: Marissa Sheva

How Republic of Ireland qualified for Australia and New Zealand 2023

Ireland were impressive in their qualifying campaign as they reached the play-offs with ease. 

The Girls in Green finished seven points above Finland in Group A but were five behind runaway leaders Sweden. 

They then overcame Scotland 1-0 in dramatic fashion in their all-important play-off — Amber Barrett’s 72nd-minute goal was the difference between the two sides.

Star player: Katie McCabe

Katie McCabe is the most high-profile name in the Ireland squad. 

The 27-year-old has become a key figure for Arsenal, making over 150 appearances for the Gunners. 

The Ireland captain racked up seven goal contributions (three goals, four assists) for her club last term and has 18 goals in 73 caps for her country.

One to watch: Sinead Farrelly

Sinead Farrelly's recent resurgence represents a remarkable comeback from the 33-year-old midfielder.

Injuries sustained in a car accident saw her retire from the game in 2016. But — over six years after hanging up her boots — Farrelly made a surprise return to the National Women's Soccer League, signing for NJ/NY Gotham FC last March.

It has been an upward trajectory for the Pennsylvania-born ace since then, having made her Ireland debut in April before being called up to the Girls in Green's World Cup squad.

The boss: Vera Pauw

Pauw took charge of Ireland in 2019 and she has already written her name into the history books after leading the nation to their first ever major tournament.

The Amsterdam native is a top-level coach and can take the Girls in Green to even greater heights this summer.

Pauw's plans were somewhat disrupted by a behind closed doors friendly against Colombia however, which was ended after only 20 minutes due to the South American's tough tackling.

Republic of Ireland's official 23-player World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton).

Defenders: Aine O'Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Louise Quinn (Birmingham), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Claire O'Riordan (Celtic), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Isibeal Atkinson (West Ham), Heather Payne (Florida State Seminoles), Megan Connolly (Brighton).

Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Sinead Farrelly (NJ/NY Gotham).

Forwards: Amber Barratt (Standard Liege), Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit).

All information correct as of July 14