Ireland face huge challenge after tough World Cup draw

The Republic of Ireland have been pitted against co-hosts Australia, Canada and Nigeria in a very tough Group B at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Vera Pauw's team, ranked 26th in the world, were in Pot 3 when the draw was made in Auckland on Saturday morning.

As such, it was always likely they'd be faced with a daunting challenge and that's proven to be the case.

Ireland beat Australia 3-2 in a friendly in Dublin just over a year ago but they will be highly aware the Matildas represent an incredibly difficult opponent. The sides square up in the group's opening match in Sydney on 20 July.

Canada are ranked seventh in the world and are, on paper, the best team in the group, while Nigeria are one of the strongest sides the Girls in Green could have been paired with from Pot 4.

It means that Ireland will be based In Australia for the tournament which is being co-hosted with New Zealand.

That's good news for the huge diaspora there who will no doubt flock to the games next summer.

Each country will have its own Team Base Camp, special sites that will include pitches and accommodation. FIFA will make a final decision on where exactly these bases will be before the end of the year, when Pauw can really start to ramp up preparations for an exciting, difficult mission.

GROUP B FIXTURES

Republic of Ireland v Australia, Sydney, Thursday 20 July

Republic of Ireland v Canada, Perth, Wednesday 26 July

Republic of Ireland v Nigeria, Brisbane, Monday 31 July

Your #FIFAWWC 2023 Group B!#BeyondGreatness pic.twitter.com/dQJPLcjNFl