Carla Ward has delivered an unambiguous message to anyone speculating about her future: the Republic of Ireland's Women's World Cup qualifying campaign is the only thing occupying her thoughts right now, and that is not about to change.

Ward, who took over from Eileen Gleeson in January 2025, has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Aston Villa — the club she previously managed — but she was categorical when asked about the rumours ahead of a crucial play-off double-header against Kazakhstan.

"Nothing is tempting when I'm in this job, you know I love this job and I love working here," Ward 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."

The stakes could hardly be higher. Ireland stand on the verge of reaching the 2026 Women's World Cup in Brazil, needing to come through a two-legged play-off against Kazakhstan before, if they advance, a further two-legged final against either Belgium or Poland. Ward sees it in the simplest possible terms: four cup finals, nothing less than everything required.

"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," she added.

History in sight

The Republic of Ireland made history at the 2023 tournament — their first-ever World Cup appearance — but were unable to progress from a group that included co-hosts Australia and Canada, with a draw against Nigeria rounding off the campaign. Ward knows what reaching that stage means to Irish football and is determined to deliver it again.

"I think we've made tremendous strides and steps as a nation, and it would be the cherry on the cake," she said, while stressing the team must be fully committed across all four potential matches. "We have to give everything, blood, sweat and tears."

Significant absentees for the opener

The first leg takes place at the Astana Arena in Kazakhstan on Friday, 10 October, kicking off at 12:00 BST, before the return fixture in Cork four days later. Ireland are unbeaten at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, though Ward is quick to dismiss any notion of a comfortable ride against a Kazakhstan side ranked 98th in the world.

She will be without several influential figures for the opener. Captain Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva are both suspended, while the experienced Denise O'Sullivan is also unavailable. Tara O'Hanlon has a hamstring injury and Saoirse Noonan has been ruled out of both legs with an ankle problem. Crystal Palace midfielder Shanade Hopcroft earns her first senior call-up as part of the response to those setbacks.

Ward, however, frames the absences as opportunity rather than crisis. "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, adding that McCabe retains an important role in the camp even while unable to play. "Katie's here for a reason, she's got a big part to play off the pitch."

Ward's conviction about her squad's collective quality remains firm. Whether Ireland can convert that belief into a place in Brazil is what the next fortnight will determine — and she intends to be the one leading them there.

Frequently asked

When does Republic of Ireland play Kazakhstan in the 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 fixture takes place in Cork four days later.
Who is missing for Republic of Ireland against Kazakhstan?
Captain Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva are suspended for the first leg. Denise O'Sullivan is also unavailable, while Tara O'Hanlon (hamstring) and Saoirse Noonan (ankle) are ruled out of both legs.
What happens if Republic of Ireland beat Kazakhstan?
If Ireland progress past Kazakhstan, they face a two-legged play-off final against either Belgium or Poland, with the winner qualifying for the 2026 Women's World Cup in Brazil.