Team news: Brosnan named captain, Finn starts

Courtney Brosnan will take charge as captain for the Republic of Ireland in their upcoming World Cup play-off semi-final first leg against Kazakhstan. This match kicks off at 12pm, and will be broadcast live on RTÉ2. Jamie Finn will make her debut as a starter under manager Carla Ward, while Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva are absent due to suspension.

USA-based player Denise O Sullivan has been given a break to manage her workload, and Jess Ziu's shin injury further limited the options for the head coach. New addition Shanade Hopcroft was considered for a debut, but Ward has opted to go with 28-year-old Burnley player Jamie Finn. She will partner Megan Connolly and Abbie Larkin in the midfield, with Emily Murphy and Kyra Carusa leading the attack.

The national team's wing-backs are filled by Aoife Mannion and Chloe Mustaki, while Jessie Stapleton replaces Caitlin Hayes and Anna Patten in central defense. Brosnan previously led Ireland against the USA in June 2025, marking her 50th cap appearance. She will once again wear the armband today in the absence of regular skipper McCabe and vice-captain O Sullivan.

The Republic of Ireland, ranked 21st, are heavy favorites to progress past Kazakhstan, who are currently ranked 98th in the world. The teams will meet again in the second leg at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday.