Republic of Ireland women have an opportunity to get back into the top tier of the Nations League this weekend and Katie McCabe has called on the fans to push the team over the line.
After a successful campaign in the Nations League, Republic of Ireland now has an opportunity to return to the top tier of the competition.
Ireland faces off against Belgium in a two leg qualifier that will see the winner qualify for the top group.
The nation got close to qualifying for the Euros through the Nations League last year, but they had their hearts broken by Wales in the playoff final.
Katie McCabe recalled the frustration from last year as her team looks to make amends for the disappointment.
“The Wales game last year knocked me to be honest with you, it really hurt,” said Arsenal’s McCabe.
🇮🇪 Katie McCabe ©️#UWNL || @IrelandFootball pic.twitter.com/FNplxSFqyK
— UEFA Women’s Nations League (@WEURO2025) October 22, 2025
“There’s a lot of learnings, some I won’t share because they’re quite personal, but I think as a team, it’s just making sure about what’s in front of you.
“So, it’s taking that game by the scruff of the neck and making sure we turn up and we’re ready to go all in. I think it’s making sure we’re ready to go into that first game.”
McCabe has 57 caps for Ireland and she even captained the side during last year’s Euro qualifiers.
Katie McCabe calls on fans
The defender has impressed the importance of fans for this week’s first leg against Belgium.
Republic of Ireland host the Red Flames in the first leg of their playoff on Friday night at Tallaght Stadium.
“We know how important they [the fans] are for us, whether in Tallaght or the Aviva,” added the 30-year-old.
‘I urge everyone to come out and give us a hand, we’re going to need them tomorrow night’ – Katie McCabe calls for the home crowd to come out in big numbers for Ireland’s Nations League clash with Belgium#UWNL pic.twitter.com/xyWyG32CTQ
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 23, 2025
“Their energy and the atmosphere they bring gives us that extra lease of life on the pitch. So, yeah, I urge everyone to come out and give us a hand and get behind us because we’re going to need them on Friday night, for sure.”
If Ireland can get into the top tier of the Nations League it would significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the 2027 World Cup with another route to the finals opened up.
