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McCabe Makes WSL Team, Joins Ireland Qualifiers Squad

5/23/2026

31 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ireland manager Stephen Ward announced that Katie McCabe was named to the WSL 2025/26 Team of the Season.
Ward said McCabe’s age prompted Arsenal’s release despite her peak form.
Ward suggested that if McCabe were English she would be mentioned in Ballon d’Or discussions.
Ward placed McCabe in Ireland’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against the Netherlands and France, noting her recent improvement after a dip in performance.

History

Historical Context

In 1999 the United States hosted the Women’s World Cup, drawing a record 90,185 fans to the Rose Bowl final and sparking a surge in women’s soccer that led to the short-lived Women’s United Soccer Association. That breakthrough still resonates; Ireland manager Stephen Ward now cites Katie McCabe’s Arsenal form and WSL Team-of-Season honor as evidence of the sport’s expanding profile.

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Story summary

Ireland manager Stephen Ward announced that Katie McCabe was named to the WSL 2025/26 Team of the Season.
Ward said McCabe’s age prompted Arsenal’s release despite her peak form.
Ward suggested that if McCabe were English she would be mentioned in Ballon d’Or discussions.
Ward placed McCabe in Ireland’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against the Netherlands and France, noting her recent improvement after a dip in performance.

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