USA VS Republic of Ireland Women Preview
The Republic of Ireland women’s national soccer team is playing a pre-Euro 2025 warm-up game on June 26th. It is the first of a double header against the best-ranked women’s team on the planet, the United States of America. This will be Carla Ward’s toughest test since taking the reins in January this year.
Ireland comes to this game after back-to-back wins and strong performances in the Nations League. Can the Girls in Green capitalise on that form, or will the USWNT’s quality shine through in Colorado?
USA VS Republic of Ireland Women Predictions
Score prediction: USA 2-1 Ireland
One of our best soccer predictions is for the USA to beat the Girls in Green at DSG Park this week. The USWNT remain one of the most feared teams in women’s football. While their dominance has dipped slightly following the 2023 World Cup and a changing of the guard, they still boast some of the best players in the world. New stars like Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Naomi Girma have stepped up alongside seasoned veterans such as Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle. They have a talented squad and depth that outweighs Ireland’s.
The USWNT have adapted tactically in the last couple of years. They have shifted towards a more structured approach after a lot of changes to their squad. Head coach Emma Hayes has overseen widespread changes since taking the post in 2024. There is now a clearer emphasis on positional discipline and ball retention. They continue to prioritise width and pace, often looking to overload the flanks and stretch opponents to create space centrally.
The United States will take control of this game from kick-off and look to dominate possession, pinning Ireland back. They will overload wide areas to stretch the Irish defence and create space for centre-forwards. Players like Smith and Rodman thrive in these conditions, isolating defenders, driving into the box, and forcing defensive errors. That offensive firepower will be central to the Americans’ game plan.
Ireland is unlikely to be overwhelmed. Carla Ward has made them a far more fluid side tactically, able to adapt to multiple game plans. They are just as confident dominating possession as they are sitting behind the ball and waiting for counterattacks. Their typical 5-4-1 or 4-5-1 setup allows them to stay compact without sacrificing width. They’ll defend with intensity and numbers, particularly in central areas, looking to frustrate the Americans and limit their penetration between the lines.
Ireland’s clearest path to success lies in transitional moments. When the US push forward in numbers, there is often space left behind. Ireland will aim to win the ball in deep areas and break quickly, using players like McCabe and Heather Payne to stretch the field. Denise O’Sullivan will be integral in the transition with her pinpoint passing. Her vision will help connect counterattacks and make the most of the chances they will have. Set pieces could prove the difference, with Ireland well drilled on their dead-ball routines.
However, on paper, this USA team is very difficult to match, especially for Ireland. Their depth is incredible, and they can bring on elite-level substitutes without a significant drop in quality. That will prove to be the difference over 90 minutes. They will remain fresh without giving up quality. The Americans have a knack for breaking through in the later stages of games, often capitalising on lapses in concentration or tired legs. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them score the winner in the second half after a tense, evenly matched opening hour.
Players To Watch
- Rose Lavelle (Midfielder, USA): Rose Lavelle brings calm and control to the midfield. She has years of experience with the USWNT and knows how to manage high-pressure games. Her sharp passing and smart movement help connect defence and attack. Lavelle can glide into space and spot passes that others miss. Against a team like Ireland, who will likely defend deep, her vision could be the key to unlocking their back line. Her ability to dictate the tempo of games will be equally important. Lavelle can run this game from midfield.
- Denise O’Sullivan (Midfielder, Republic of Ireland): Denise O’Sullivan is the heartbeat of Ireland’s midfield and their most influential player in possession. The North Carolina Courage star is known for her vision, work rate, and technical ability. Operating as a deep-lying playmaker or central engine, O’Sullivan dictates the tempo and links defence to attack. She reads the game exceptionally well, picking out passes in transition and helping Ireland break forward from compact defensive phases. Her creativity will be vital in limited attacking moments, especially when launching counterattacks against a possession-dominant USA side.
USA vs Republic of Ireland Women Betting Tips
- Full-Time Result – USA to win: The USWNT will be favourites for this match. They have lost just two games in 24 matches under Emma Hayes. The level of talent in this squad is incredible and arguably the best in the world. Ireland can frustrate them, but the USA will find a way. Anyone betting on soccer should back the Stars and Stripes to win this game.
- Over/Under – Over 2.5 goals: Ireland will play compact at the back to cover the wealth of American attacking talent. However, the USWNT will be vulnerable to counterattacks, and Ireland has thrived in those situations under Ward. If you are betting on the over/under, take the over. The USA have conceded to worse teams, but will make up for it with their world-class attackers.
- Player to Score – Ally Sentnor: Ally Sentnor has been prolific on the international stage for Emma Hayes. The 21-year-old has found herself playing further forward in the setup. She has scored four goals in her nine appearances under Hayes. She will be a central figure of the USA’s attack here. We like a bet on Sentnor to score with our online sportsbook.
USA vs Republic of Ireland Women Head-To-Head and Key Stats
The U.S. Women’s National Team earned a 1-0 win over Ireland at CITYPARK in St. Louis when they last met in April 2023. Defender Alana Cook scored the match’s only goal in the 43rd minute, marking her birthday with her first international goal. The second part of the double header followed, and it was a more convincing 2-0 U.S. win in Austin. However, the fixture was overshadowed by Mallory Swanson’s serious knee injury from the first game.
The USWNT wrapped up their June window with a dominant 4-0 win over Jamaica at Energizer Park in St. Louis. Ally Sentnor opened the scoring in the 19th minute. She doubled the lead just 10 minutes later with her second goal of the match. Both finishes showcased her sharp movement and finishing touch inside the box.
The United States remained in control throughout and added to the lead in the second half. Lynn Biyendolo, subbed on in the 57th minute, made an instant impact by scoring twice. Her first came from a rebound off a corner in the 60th minute, and she added a second in the 88th after a strong cross from Avery Patterson. That wrapped up a strong showing for the Stars and Stripes.
Ireland played on the same day, defeating Slovenia 1-0 in a match where they dominated possession but struggled to convert scoring opportunities. A first-half header from Saoirse Noonan sealed a 1-0 win for Ireland over Slovenia in their final UEFA Nations League Group 2 match. Playing just three miles from her hometown, Noonan marked her first competitive start with a goal, her second at senior level.
Ireland dominated throughout, recording 15 shots and pushing hard to secure the four-goal margin needed to top the group. Despite their attacking intent and a strong performance, they couldn’t find a second goal. Carla Ward’s side finished second in the group with five wins from six games, just behind Slovenia, who had edged them in their earlier meeting.
