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

Brian Sorensen is poised to step back onto the international stage, with the former Everton manager set to join the Republic of Ireland women’s set-up for their World Cup play-off campaign later this year.

Sorensen is expected to come in as assistant coach, working alongside Liverpool coach Amber Whiteley as part of a refreshed backroom team. The move drops an experienced Women’s Super League figure into a high-stakes window for Ireland.

He is understood to be keeping his role as technical director with Aston Villa Women, combining club and country duties by linking up with Ireland during international breaks. It means a familiar dynamic in the camp: Sorensen will again work with manager Carla Ward, who went up against his Everton side during her time in charge of Villa in the WSL.

World Cup Play-off Details

Ireland face Kazakhstan in the first round of Women’s World Cup play-off qualifying, a two-legged tie scheduled for 9 and 13 October.

High pressure. Short turnaround. And now, an extra layer of top-flight experience in the Irish dugout when those dates arrive.