Ireland drawn in Nations League group with world champions Spain

Next month’s World Cup qualifying playoff against Poland might be the sole focus for Carla Ward and her Republic of Ireland squad, but they now know their opponents in the 2027 Nations League after Tuesday’s draw in Switzerland. They will play in a League A group with reigning world and European champions Spain, as well as Norway and Switzerland.

The prize for the winners of the group is not just a place in the semi-finals of the competition but also a spot in the 2028 Olympic Games. However, the inclusion of Spain, who have won the last two Nations Leagues, makes that particular dream a distant enough one.