Carla Ward has made her position unambiguous: rumours linking her to a return to the Women's Super League can wait. The Republic of Ireland manager has a World Cup to reach, and that is the only thing occupying her thoughts ahead of a crucial qualifying play-off double-header against Kazakhstan.

Ward dismisses Aston Villa speculation

Ward, who took charge of the Republic of Ireland in January 2025 following the departure of Eileen Gleeson, has been connected with the vacant managerial role at Aston Villa, the club she previously managed. She was having none of it when asked about the speculation at her pre-match briefing.

"Nothing is tempting when I'm in this job, you know I love this job and I love working here," she said. "I don't think anything can take my attention away from these next four games so it's not a conversation and it's not anything I would entertain. My heart and my focus, I came here to try and get to a World Cup and that's all I'm going to think about for the next four games."

Her contract with the Football Association of Ireland runs until 2027, and the manner in which she spoke suggested the speculation has done little more than sharpen her concentration.

A genuine shot at Brazil 2026

The stakes could hardly be higher. Ireland made history when they qualified for the 2023 Women's World Cup — their first ever appearance at the finals — only to exit in the group stage after defeats to co-hosts Australia and Canada, with a draw against Nigeria their sole point. Ward's side now have the chance to return to the tournament's biggest stage, this time in Brazil next summer.

The path there involves a two-legged play-off against Kazakhstan, ranked 98th in the world. The first leg takes place at the Astana Arena on Friday, 10 October (12:00 BST), with the return fixture in Cork four days later. Should Ireland progress, a further two-legged final against either Belgium or Poland awaits.

"I came here because I want to get to a World Cup and I think we've made tremendous strides and steps as a nation," Ward said. "It would be the cherry on the cake, but we've got four games, four cup finals. We have to give everything, blood, sweat and tears."

Absences create opportunity

Ward will have to reshape her side for the first leg in Kazakhstan. Captain Katie McCabe and forward Marissa Sheva are both suspended, while the experienced midfielder Denise O'Sullivan is also unavailable. Tara O'Hanlon is sidelined with a hamstring problem, and Saoirse Noonan has been ruled out of both legs with an ankle injury.

Into the squad steps Crystal Palace midfielder Shanade Hopcroft, earning her first senior call-up — a sign of the depth Ireland have been building under Ward's watch.

Rather than treating the absences as a crisis, Ward framed them as an opportunity for fringe players to stake a claim. "No matter who plays, naturally when you take the likes of Katie and Denise out of your team, they're two big leaders but that's an opportunity for players to step up," she said. "I have full belief in every single one of this group to go and get the job done."

McCabe, despite being unavailable to play, will remain with the squad and contribute as a leader off the pitch — a measure of just how important Ward considers the Arsenal forward's influence beyond the ninety minutes.

No room for complacency

Ireland are unbeaten at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, and the home leg should be a significant advantage if they navigate the trip to Astana without incident. But Ward was keen to stress that Kazakhstan's ranking should not breed overconfidence in her camp.

"We have to go up another level, we have to make sure that we're performing and we're focused at the highest level," she said. "We've got an unbelievable squad that are hugely talented and they will look after each other."

With or without WSL interest swirling in the background, Ward's message is clear: qualification, not speculation, is the only item on the agenda.

Frequently asked

When do Republic of Ireland play Kazakhstan in the Women's World Cup play-off?
The first leg is at the Astana Arena in Kazakhstan on Friday, 10 October, kicking off at 12:00 BST. The return leg takes place in Cork four days later.
Which Republic of Ireland players are suspended or injured for the Kazakhstan play-off?
Captain Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva are suspended for the first leg, while Denise O'Sullivan, Tara O'Hanlon and Saoirse Noonan are all unavailable through injury.
What happens if Republic of Ireland beat Kazakhstan in the Women's World Cup qualifier?
If Ireland progress past Kazakhstan, they will face a two-legged play-off final against either Belgium or Poland, with the winners securing a place at the 2026 Women's World Cup in Brazil.