Overview
- Ireland led through Katie McCabe on 12 minutes before substitute Melvine Malard struck twice to give France a 2-1 win in the 2027 World Cup qualifier at Tallaght Stadium.
- Denise O’Sullivan had a stoppage-time effort headed off the line and Ireland appeals for handball were waved away as a record crowd of 8,376 watched a frantic finish.
- Carla Ward had the Tallaght pitch narrowed to the FIFA minimum of 64m in a bid to limit France’s wide threats, a move that helped keep the visitors at bay for long spells.
- Group rivals the Netherlands drew 2-2 with Poland earlier, and Ireland now travel to Utrecht on Saturday seeking points to keep their qualifying push on track.
- Ireland’s women’s hockey side beat Malaysia 5-0 and edged Japan to secure a semi-final place in Santiago, leaving them one win from the 2026 World Cup, with Canada up next.