DUBLIN — On Wednesday, Carla Ward was appointed as the head coach of the Ireland women’s soccer team, with a contract running until the conclusion of the 2027 World Cup.

Ward, aged 41, previously served as part of the coaching staff for the United States women’s team that secured a gold medal during the recent Paris Olympics. She takes over from Eileen Gleeson, who was let go following Ireland’s failure to qualify for the European Championship earlier this summer.

Before this role, Ward spent three years at the helm of Aston Villa’s women’s team. After leaving Aston Villa last summer, she joined the coaching team of Emma Hayes for the Olympic journey.

Ward will make her debut as Ireland’s head coach on February 21 when the team faces Turkey in the Nations League.

Expressing her enthusiasm about the new position, Ward stated, “I’m hugely excited to get going with the Ireland women’s national team.” She emphasized that this role presents an incredible opportunity to not only elevate the national team but also to contribute to enhancing the development of women and girls’ football.

Originally from the Isle of Wight, Ward has a coaching background that includes tenures at Sheffield United and Birmingham City, illustrating her extensive experience in women’s football coaching.