NI and Republic of Ireland learn World Cup route

NI and Republic of Ireland learn World Cup routeImage source, Getty Images/Press EyeImage caption, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland both face tricky play-off ties in their bid to reach the World CupByAndy GrayBBC Sport NI JournalistPublished3 minutes agoNorthern Ireland face a difficult 2027 Women's World Cup play-off with Portugal, while the Republic of Ireland will take on Kazakhstan. Michael McArdle's side will be underdogs against Portugal, who beat NI twice in Euro 2025 qualifying.If they can win that game, then either Iceland or Croatia await in the second round of play-offs.Given their world ranking, even if Northern Ireland could stun two of Europe's biggest sides they could still face an additional inter-continental play-off to make it to the finals.The Republic of Ireland, who qualified for a first World Cup in 2023, will face a first round tie with Kazakhstan. If Carla Ward's side win their first round, then they will face either Belgium or Poland in a bid to reach the finals.The first round ties will take place in October, while the second play-off round are scheduled for the international window in November and December.Women's World Cup: England draw Greece in round one of World Cup play-offsPlay-off drawFirst round path one:Lithuania v SwedenRomania v NorwayGreece v EnglandCroatia v IcelandKazakhstan v Republic of IrelandKosovo v AustriaHungary v NetherlandsBelarus v ItalyFirst round path two:Albania v WalesTurkey v SloveniaSlovakia v UkraineIsrael v SwitzerlandBelgium v PolandCzech Republic v ScotlandNorthern Ireland v PortugalFinland v SerbiaSecond round:Slovakia or Ukraine v Greece or EnglandFinland or Serbia v Belarus or ItalyNorthern Ireland or Portugal v Croatia or IcelandAlbania or Wales v Romania or NorwayIsrael or Switzerland v Kosovo or AustriaCzech Republic or Scotland v Lithuania or SwedenBelgium or Poland v Kazakhstan or the Republic of IrelandTurkey or Slovenia v Hungary or NetherlandsNew episodes of...