Brian Sorensen Joins Republic of Ireland Women's Team for World Cup Play-offs

Brian Sorensen is set for a swift return to the international stage, with the former Everton manager joining the Republic of Ireland women’s set-up for their World Cup play-off push later this year.

The Dane is expected to step in as assistant coach, working alongside Liverpool coach Amber Whiteley as part of a bolstered backroom team. His arrival adds top-level Women’s Super League experience to a staff gearing up for a high-pressure qualifying campaign.

Sorensen will combine the role with his current position as technical director of Aston Villa Women. He is understood to remain in post at Villa while linking up with Ireland during international windows, a dual responsibility that underlines his growing influence in the women’s game.

He will be reunited on the same side as Carla Ward, the Republic of Ireland manager, after previously facing her from the opposite dugout when he led Everton against Ward’s Villa in the WSL. Those meetings were often tight, tactical contests; now that shared familiarity turns into a collaboration at international level.

Upcoming Matches

Ireland face Kazakhstan in the first round of the Women’s World Cup play-off qualifiers, a two-legged tie scheduled for 9 and 13 October. For Ward and her new-look staff, there is no gentle bedding-in period. The margin for error is slim, the stakes clear: two games to keep a World Cup dream alive.