Ireland get tough draw with France, England and Sweden

The Republic of Ireland were handed an incredibly tough UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying test, drawing three of the world’s top five sides in France, England and Sweden.

Placed in pot four of League A, it was always going to be a tough task for Eileen Gleeson’s side, but they had no luck, as they were drawn as the fourth team in League A3.

World number three side France were top seeds after reaching the Nations League final, where they lost to Spain.

Defending European champions and beaten World Cup finalists England were second seeds after finishing second in their Nations League group, while world number five ranked Sweden were third seeds on back of their Nations League performance, despite being beaten World Cup semi-finalists last year.

The draw, while difficult, should provide the Girls in Green with some glamour Aviva Stadium ties against some of the world’s best known female footballers, and they are guaranteed at least a play-off regardless of results.

The top two teams in each League A group will gain places in the July 2025 finals alongside hosts Switzerland.

The remaining seven spots will be decided by two rounds of play-offs against League B and C opponents in October and November/December.

The opening fixtures will be played between 3-9 April, with the second pair of games coming between 29 May and 4 June. The final two games will be played between 10-16 July.

The fixtures will be announced on Wednesday.

League A

Group A1: Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Finland

Group A2: Spain, Denmark, Belgium, Czech Republic

Group A3: France, England, Sweden, Republic of Ireland

Group A4: Germany, Austria, Iceland, Poland

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