Australia vs Ireland LIVE: Date, kick-off time, team news and how to follow Women’s World Cup opener

Women’s World Cup hosts Australia will help kick off this summer’s showpiece tournament by taking on Ireland later this week.

The Aussies are co-hosting the World Cup with New Zealand in what promises to be the biggest edition yet.

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The Football Ferns get the tournament underway against Norway just hours before their Oceanic rivals host Ireland.

The Girls in Green are looking to make a statement at their first major tournament following a dramatic road to qualification.

Vera Pauw’s women famously beat Scotland 1-0 at Hampden Park in Glasgow last October to secure their spot at the World Cup.

Australia vs Ireland: Date and how to follow

This Group B clash is set to take place on Thursday, July 20.

It will kick-off at 11am UK time.

The game was originally scheduled to take place at Allianz Stadium but has since been moved to Stadium Australia in Sydney – the cite of the World Cup final – to meet ticket demands.

It is being shown on ITV One and will be free-to-air while you can also live stream it for free on the ITVX.

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Australia vs Ireland: Squads

Australia

• Goalkeepers: Lydia Williams, Teagan Micah, Mackenzie Arnold, Jada Mathyssen-Whyman
• Defenders: Courtney Nevin, Aivi Luik, Claire Polkinghorne, Ellie Carpenter, Charlotte Grant, Clare Hunt, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy
• Midfielders: Tameka Yallop, Katrina Gorry, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Clare Wheeler, Alex Chidiac, Amy Sayer, Chloe Logarzo, Emily van Egmond
• Forwards: Cortnee Vine, Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso, Sam Kerr, Larissa Crummer, Remy Siemsen, Caitlin Foord, Emily Gielnik Kyah Simon

Ireland

• Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan, Grace Moloney, Megan Walsh
• Defenders:: Áine O’Gorman, Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn, Diane Caldwell, Claire O’Riordan, Chloe Mustaki, Isibeal Atkinson
• Midfielders: Denise O’Sullivan, Katie McCabe, Ruesha Littlejohn, Megan Connolly, Ciara Grant, Lucy Quinn, Lily Agg, Sinead Farrelly
• Forwards: Amber Barratt, Kyra Carusa, Abbie Larkin, Marissa Sheva

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Republic of Ireland talkSPORT commentaries

• July 26: Canada Women v Republic of Ireland Women – 1pm, talkSPORT 2
• July 31: Republic of Ireland Women v Nigeria Women – 11am, talkSPORT 2

Australia vs Ireland: What has been said?

Ireland manager Pauw said: “We are fully prepared for Australia but we are realistic.

“We know the power of Australia is huge, their strength is especially their power. Over the wings and the centre, at the back, they overpower and press everywhere.

“It is so difficult to play against. But yeah, we need to deal with that. That is why we’re here, that is what we’re proud of, I’ve said that so many times.

“We will give our all, we will no be afraid, we will not hide because of a fear of failure because we don’t have that.”