NI & Republic of Ireland discover play-off opponents

Simone Magill (left) and Katie McCabe will captain Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, respectively, in the play-offs

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.

"The continued growth of this squad is so impressive," said Northern Ireland manager Tanya Oxtoby.

"We have secured another European play-off which is testament to that and I'm confident that when wee face Iceland we can again rise to the challenge".

Republic of Ireland head coach Carla Ward said Belgium will be a "difficult challenge".

"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 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 home tie for both fixtures will be played on 24 October, while the trips to Iceland and Belgium will take place on 28 October.

The winners of the two-legged play-offs will play in League A of the 2027 Women's World Cup qualifiers, with the losers competing in League B.

In the finals - involving this year's four League A group winners - Germany were drawn against France while world champions Spain will play Sweden in the two-legged semi-finals on 24 and 28 October.

The third-place play-off and final - both comprising of two legs - will take place on 28 November and 2 December.