Ireland and Poland share Group A2, so they’re well acquainted.
The Irish opened group play with a 3‑2 thriller over Poland in Gdańsk on April 14.
Four days later they clinched a 1‑0 victory in Dublin before more than 18,200 fans at the Aviva.
Ward expects an even larger December crowd, urging the biggest home support to push the team over the line.
While Ireland cruised through their play‑off first leg, Poland, seven spots lower in FIFA rankings, edged Belgium 4‑3 on penalties after a 3‑3 aggregate draw.
Ward says Poland will chase revenge in Dublin as they chase their maiden World Cup.
She noted Poland will likely repeat their previous style, but it’s unclear what they’ll learn from Ireland’s two matches.
We know each other well, and the fixture promises a quality clash. Drawing this tie was the toughest pick, even England avoided Belgium or Poland. Our squad keeps evolving, and we’ll give everything.
Our depth and competition for places keep rising. Focus, preparation and that extra edge of togetherness will be decisive.
Selfishly, I want my players to put themselves first in the weeks ahead and arrive ready, while my staff gears up for intense behind‑the‑scenes work over the next six weeks.
For my money, Ireland’s momentum makes a second World Cup within reach. Can the squad sustain this surge into the December showdown?