Women’s Nations League: Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland discover play-off opponents

Northern Ireland will face Iceland in the Women’s Nations League promotion/relegation play-offs while the Republic of Ireland were drawn against Belgium.

The Republic of Ireland are in the play-offs after being edged out for top spot in Group B2 and Northern Ireland are hoping to reach the top tier for the first time after finishing second to Poland in Group B1.

Northern Ireland will host Iceland – who finished third in Group A2 – in the first leg, with the Republic of Ireland at home to Belgium in their opener.

“We know that Belgium are a very good team with a strong history in women’s football so this will be a difficult challenge for us but one that we are excited to take on,” said Republic of Ireland head coach Carla Ward.

“Having won five of our six group games in the Nations League and ending with a very good performance against Slovenia, we are building day by day, game by game.”

Finland will face Denmark and the Czech Republic will play Austria in the other two ties.

The fixtures will take place in October, with further details yet to be confirmed.