The Republic of Ireland secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Kazakhstan in the second leg of the Women's World Cup play-off, completing an aggregate win of 12-0. As the match concluded in Cork, captain Katie McCabe shifted her focus to the upcoming challenge, emphasizing the need for her team to be fully prepared for their next two matches against Poland.

McCabe, who marked her return to the starting lineup after a suspension, contributed to the scoreline with a powerful strike. She stated, "Two games and we're going to Brazil, but full focus over the next six weeks. We need to lock in and be ready."

Under the guidance of manager Carla Ward, the team has shown remarkable improvement since a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Slovenia in February 2025. They recently achieved promotion to League A of the Nations League and demonstrated their resilience by defeating top-tier teams like Belgium and the Netherlands.

Looking ahead, McCabe acknowledged the challenge posed by Poland, who recently eliminated Belgium in a penalty shootout. However, she noted that the Irish squad had previously bested Poland during qualifying.

Reflecting on her recent transfer to Chelsea, McCabe described it as a "breath of fresh air" that has revitalized her passion for the game. She believes that the experience from the 2023 World Cup will be invaluable as her team strives to secure a spot for the next tournament.

As November approaches, McCabe affirmed the team's commitment to unity and determination, stating, "We'll be doing everything we can to get over the line and get this country to the World Cup again."