IRELAND WILL FACE Georgia in a Euro 2025 qualification play-off semi-final, with the victors facing either Wales or Slovakia for a place at the finals in Switzerland.
Eileen Gleeson’s side will travel to Tbilisi for the first leg on Friday, 25 October, with Iris Antman’s Georgians making the return trip to Ireland the following Tuesday, 29 October. Ireland’s home venue will be confirmed at a later date.
“It was hugely important for us to enter this play-off series as a seeded team to give ourselves the best chance of qualifying,” said Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson following the draw.
“Huge credit should go to every player and staff member who made vital contributions to helping us to achieve that. But the work continues now going into these play-offs.”
Ireland and Georgia met in qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup, with Ireland winning 11-0 in Tallaght and 9-0 in Gori.
Ireland are currently ranked 25th in the world whereas the Georgians are 119th. The Eastern Europeans secured their place in the play-offs via an 88th-minute winner by midfielder Maiko Bebia against Lithuania.
“We need to be respectful of Georgia as they will have their own ambitions to qualify, so we won’t look past Round 1,” said Gleeson.
“The work to prepare for this two-legged tie has already begun in advance of the games in October and we will ensure that we provide the players with everything that they require to maximise their performance in both games.
“We also look forward to playing in front of our home fans again. The atmosphere created in the France game was amazing and we appreciate everyone who has come out to cheer on the team in Tallaght Stadium, Aviva Stadium and Páirc Uí Chaoimh. It makes it so special to have such passionate fans so we want to give them more big games to be part of.”
If Ireland progress through their semi, they will play a the two-legged final against either Wales or Slovakia which would take place on Friday, 29 November and Tuesday, 3 December. Wales would host their prospective home leg in Cardiff, while Ireland would again host the second leg against either the Welsh or the Slovakians.
While Slovakia, currently 50th in the world, would provide a stiff test on paper, improving Wales (31st) beat Ireland 2-0 in a friendly in Tallaght back in February.
Northern Ireland, meanwhile, have been drawn to face Croatia in their play-off semi-final.
