In 50 days time, the Republic of Ireland WNT kick off the 2023 Women’s World Cup against co-hosts Australia in a sold-out 83,500 seater Sydney Football Stadium. With the calendar closing in on Vera Pauw and her team, here’s the answers to all of your questions on how the approaching weeks look set to pan out.
50 days to go until the #FIFAWWC! 🤩
Discover the teams in your FIFA DNA! 🧬⚽️ #BeyondGreatness— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) May 31, 2023
How many players can be selected to go to Australia?
Vera Pauw and the other 31 managers at the helm of the competing nations are allotted a squad of 23 players to venture to the Australia/New Zealand tournament, as well as three non-playing members that can be called upon should someone get injured. This official squad is to be released on 29 June.
Around 30 players however will take place in the training squad camp that proceeds the upcoming friendlies. Four Women’s Premier Division players reported to feature in that bracket, including Peamount’s Erin McLaughlin and Tara O'Hanlon, as well as Shamrock Rovers’ Áine O'Gorman and Abbie Larkin, with Shelbourne star and U19 captain Jessie Stapleton reported to be excluded.
The other familiar faces of Katie McCabe, Louise Quinn and co are expected to be granted permission to play after an initial fear that certain clubs weren’t going to release players until 10 July.
When does training camp convene?
The training squad for the international window is set to be announced on June 9th, with training camp starting there afterwards.
How many pre tournament friendlies are Ireland playing?
The Irish WNT are scheduled to play Zambia on 22 June and France on 6 July in Tallaght Stadium as a jubilant send-off before jetting off for Down Under. They'll then depart for Australia the next day.
Before the tournament starts then on July 20, they’re playing a final friendly, behind closed doors, vs Columbia in Meakin Park in Brisbane on July 14.
When’s it all getting started?
Ireland’s opening game is also the opening fixture of the entire tournament, with the squad playing Australia at 11am Irish time in Stadium Australia, Sydney.
From there then they clash with Canada on July 26 at 1pm Irish time, with their final group game lined up against Nigeria come July 31 at 11am Irish time.
On this day, in two months, WNT take on Nigeria in Lang Park, Brisbane 👊#COYGIG | #IRLNGA pic.twitter.com/klk9mikwEg
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) May 31, 2023
What happens the Women’s Premier Division in the meantime?
The Women’s Premier Division will go on hold after the 10th of June and not return until the 19th of August to ensure any home-based players that may be selected for the World Cup squad are accommodated for and also for necessary preparation for the WNT.
In the meantime however the inaugural All-Island Cup will take place instead, featuring 16 teams in total, with eleven from the Women’s Premier Division and five from the Northern Ireland Football League. The draw took place around two weeks ago, with the first round starting on Saturday June 17th.
Group A will see Athlone Town, Galway United, Linfield, Shelbourne battle it out, Group B contains Glentoran, Peamount United, Shamrock Rovers, Wexford Youths, Group C features Bohemians, Cliftonville, Derry City, Sligo Rovers, while in Group D, Cork City, DLR Waves, Treaty United and Crusaders will take each other on.
The fixtures for the Group Stages of the Avenir Sports All-Island Cup have been confirmed
Find out who your club will be playing right through here 👉 https://t.co/SEcBWYEwF6#LOI pic.twitter.com/6nsgEqnZwZ— LOI Women (@LoiWomen) May 31, 2023
SEE ALSO: Alannah McEvoy Got First Ireland Call-Up On 15-Minute Break At Work
