Carla Ward has been named Ireland’s new head coach until the end of the Women’s World Cup in 2027.
Former Aston Villa boss Ward left the Women’s Super League club at the end of last season and now replaces Eileen Gleeson, who was not offered a new contract after Ireland failed to qualify for Euro 2025.
Ward, who was part of the United States coaching staff under Emma Hayes when she won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will take over with immediate effect ahead of the 2025 Nations League season, which begins with a home game against Turkey at Tallaght Stadion February 21.
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work with the Ireland women’s national team,” Ward said.
“This is an incredible opportunity, not only with the national team, but also to help us do some fantastic work to develop women’s and girls’ football.
“Over the next two and a half years, as we get closer to the World Cup, we can make a real difference and I can’t wait to get started.”
Ward will be supported by assistant coach Alan Mahon, a former Ireland men’s international who also worked in the WSL with Manchester City, and goalkeeping coach Emma Byrne – a former Ireland women’s national team captain and record cap holder.
Under Gleeson, who replaced Vera Pauw on the bench, Ireland advanced to Nations League A and reached the second round of the Euro 2025 play-offs, where they defeated Wales in two games.
The Football Association of Ireland’s director of football, Marc Canham, said: “We are thrilled to announce a head coach of Carla’s pedigree.
“The opportunity to attract such a high-quality coach is an expression of our ambition for where our women’s national team can go.
“We are glad that we can recruit a person who brings the passion, commitment and skills that we wanted to find in the recruitment process.
“Carla’s experience as a coach, combined with her ability to bring out the best in those around her, distinguished her as our number one candidate, and we are confident that she will be an excellent candidate.”
