Ireland edge past play-offs despite loss to France in World Cup qualifiers 2026

Republic of Ireland finished third in a tough qualifying group but secured a seeded World Cup play-off spot after nearly beating France in their final match.

Tough group tests Ireland resolve Although their record shows three wins and three losses—placing them third in the group—Republic of Ireland can take pride in navigating what many labeled the 'group of death' in League A. As newly promoted side, they had only secured their League A status with a last-minute goal against Belgium in a promotion/relegation playoff the previous year. Despite being drawn alongside powerhouses like France, Netherlands, and Poland, manager Carla Ward set high ambitions for the team. ## Narrow misses keep play-off dreams alive After falling just short of automatic qualification by losing narrowly to France in their final qualifier, Ireland still have a path to next year’s World Cup in Brazil. Their third-place finish guarantees a seeded playoff in the autumn, making them a team few will want to face when the draw is made on June 18. Ireland’s campaign included two shock victories over Poland and an impressive run against the Netherlands, while also pushing France to the limit in Grenoble. ## Ward reflects on progress and pain Speaking to RTE after the match, Carla Ward expressed pride mixed with disappointment that her team couldn’t secure the win. 'I'm incredibly proud of this group and I said it to them there. We've got a special, special group who work unbelievably hard. It shows you everything, the [French] scenes at the end, they didn’t have it easy tonight,' she said. 'France are a top, top side and the fact we are here disappointed tells you an awful lot about where we are. You can take so many positives. This campaign we have grown and got better and better.' ## France survive late scare in Grenoble Celebrations erupted at Stade des Alpes as France booked their World Cup ticket with fireworks and loud music, but their relief came after a hard-fought battle against Ireland. Just like in previous matches, Ireland recovered from a below-par first half, where they conceded a fine winner from Melvine Malard, to mount a strong second-half fightback. Though a red card for Thiniba Samoura, who brought down Emily Murphy on a breakaway, seemed to shift momentum Ireland’s way, they couldn’t convert when Abbie Larkin squandered a golden chance to level. ## Ireland’s fans voice support for resilient team A small Irish fan contingent traveled to Grenoble to witness the team’s efforts up close. Their presence highlighted the admiration for how the group transformed their campaign after early losses to both the Netherlands and France. Ireland’s improving performances and results across the group have given them confidence heading into the playoff stage—especially considering they navigated qualification successfully last time they reached the World Cup. Now, the route is tougher with a semi-final and final to contend with. ## Ward stresses World Cup ambition despite loss Managing expectations after the narrow defeat, Carla Ward emphasized the ultimate goal remains the World Cup. 'The goal is the World Cup, that is what we want to achieve. It's a different route for us, but we're disappointed to lose to one of the best in the world tonight and that tells its own story,' she said. 'The World Cup needs this group, let me tell you that right now, they're a special bunch.'