France v Ireland: Women's World Cup qualifier live updates

The Republic of Ireland women's national football team is on the cusp of an astonishing World Cup qualification, with their final Group A2 match against France in Grenoble holding the key to direct entry to the tournament in Brazil.

Carla Ward's side secured a favorable playoff route with their recent victory over the Netherlands, meaning they have "nothing to lose and everything to gain" against France. A win would see Ireland top the group and become one of only four European teams to qualify automatically. Even a draw or a loss does not alter their playoff path, but the ultimate prize of direct qualification remains within reach.

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Ireland have, in Ward’s own words, “nothing to lose and everything to gain”.

The team's starting lineup sees Emily Murphy given the nod over Abbie Larkin, a decision reflecting Murphy's overall campaign performance, though Larkin was decisive against the Netherlands. Denise O'Sullivan is expected to return after suspension, bolstering the midfield. The match is set to be a tense affair, with France needing a win to secure their own qualification, as a draw could allow the Netherlands, who have a better head-to-head record against France, to overtake them.

The stakes are high for both teams, with France currently leading the group on 10 points, Ireland on nine, and the Netherlands on eight. Poland is at the bottom with one point. The atmosphere at the Stade des Alpes is expected to be electric as Ireland aims to make history.

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The potential gain is outlandish. Beat France and Ireland will top their League A group and become one of just four European sides to qualify directly for the World Cup.