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Abbie Larkin’s 90th-Minute Winner Sends Ireland Up to Nations League A

The promotion guarantees Ireland a seeded play-off path in 2027 World Cup qualifying.

Overview

  • Ireland edged Belgium 5-4 on aggregate after the hosts wiped out a two-goal deficit in Leuven before Larkin settled the tie late.
  • Belgium won the second leg 2-1, with captain Tessa Wullaert scoring twice in the first half to level the aggregate at 4-4.
  • Katie McCabe marked her 100th cap, having driven the 4-2 first-leg victory, and drew praise from coach Carla Ward for her leadership.
  • Ward introduced Anna Patten at half-time and brought on Larkin on 61 minutes, with the bench delivering the decisive impact.
  • A crowd of 7,038 at Den Dreef saw Stéphanie Frappart officiate as Ireland secured a return to the top tier and tougher future opposition.