Carla Ward Appointed Ireland Women's Coach

Carla Ward has been appointed as the new head coach of the Republic of Ireland women's national soccer team, with a contract extending through the 2027 World Cup. She succeeds Eileen Gleeson, who was let go after the team failed to qualify for the Euro 2025. Ward, who previously coached Aston Villa, expressed her ambitions to lead the team to World Cup qualification while emphasizing the need to win matches and strengthen player connections. Her first match in charge will be against Turkey in the UEFA Women's Nations League on February 21. The appointment comes amid some controversy, as former assistant coach Colin Healy claimed he was assured his contract would be extended, a statement the FAI has disputed. This transition aims to elevate Ireland's performance in women's soccer following their last World Cup appearance, which ended in the group stage.