The Republic of Ireland's women's football team will meet reigning champion Spain after Tuesday's UEFA Nations League draw slotted both into League A's Group 1 alongside Norway and Switzerland. The two teams haven't faced each other in over a decade. But Ireland's head coach Carla Ward leaned into the draw, calling it an "opportunity" to measure her squad against Europe's elite.
Ireland vs Spain's UEFA Nations League Draw Marks 1st Match in a Decade
The last match between Spain and the Girls in Green took place during Euro 2017 qualifying, with La Roja winning easily 3-0. Since then, Spain has lifted a World Cup trophy and rocketed up the FIFA rankings. Ward acknowledged that difference in pedigree, but hinted her side's ready for the challenge.
"They're the best team in the world right now," she said. "We respect every opponent, but we also back ourselves. We genuinely believe we can go toe-to-toe with the best "
Norway, managed by Gemma Grainger, and an improving Switzerland round out a group that offers no easy fixtures. Even so, Ward pointed to recent results against France and the Netherlands as evidence her squad can match that intensity.
What the UEFA Nations League Draw Means for 2028 LA Olympics Qualification
Beyond group-stage pride, a first-place finish could unlock a qualification pathway to the 2028 LA Olympics, making a deep run in the tournament all the more important.
Nations League group play begins in February 2027, with UEFA set to finalize the fixture schedule later this month.
