The Republic of Ireland will face world champions Spain in the 2027 Nations League, while Northern Ireland take on Poland in League B.
Poland, who face the Republic of Ireland in a Women’s World Cup play-off later in November, join Northern Ireland, Finland and Belarus in League B3.
Carla Ward’s Republic of Ireland side have been tasked with a difficult group in League A against Nations League holders Spain, Norway and Switzerland.
Fixtures have yet to be confirmed by Uefa, but the Nations League will be played across the international windows in February/March, April and June.
The Republic of Ireland have been handed one of the most difficult draws available as they look to retain their place in League A.
Spain, who won the 2024 and 2025 editions of the Nations League, are the headline team but Norway and Switzerland are also difficult opponents.
With key players such as Caroline Graham Hansen and Ada Hegerbeg, Norway are ranked 13th in the world and while the Republic of Ireland, in 21st, are ranked higher than Switzerland, they will be tough opposition.
Northern Ireland have never been relegated or promoted from League B since the competition was launched in 2023, and their aim will to have another solid campaign.
Poland, led by Barcelona striker Ewa Pajor, comfortably beat NI twice in 2025 and at 22nd, are the highest-ranked team in the group.
Northern Ireland twice beat Belarus in 2021 and the pressure will be on to pick up maximum points from both fixtures to ensure they avoid automatic relegation to League C.
What is the format?
The Nations League will have a direct bearing on qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games and the next Women’s Euros in Germany in 2029.
The winner of each League A group will progress to the Nations League finals in October and will secure a place at the expanded LA Games, while the bottom side in each group will be relegated to League B.
Each third-placed side in League A will face a relegation/promotion play-off against a second-placed League B side.
For Northern Ireland in the second tier, winning League B would guarantee promotion to League A and second place would secure a promotion play-off.
The bottom team in each League B group will be automatically relegated, as will the two lowest-ranked third-place teams.
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