McCabe Fires Hat-trick as Ireland Triumph Over Belgium in Nations League

Katie McCabe delivered a sensational performance as the Republic of Ireland defeated Belgium 4–2 in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Nations League first qualifying round on Friday evening.

The match, held at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, saw the Irish captain and left-back net a remarkable hat-trick, taking her international goal tally to 32.

McCabe opened the scoring from the penalty spot just before half-time. Although Belgium managed to pull one back early in the second half, she quickly restored Ireland’s advantage with a superb delivery from the left wing that struck the post, rebounded off the goalkeeper, and crossed the line. She then sealed her treble later in the game, giving Ireland a commanding two-goal cushion.

The second leg is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. GMT on Tuesday in Belgium, where McCabe is set to make her 100th appearance for the Republic of Ireland.

Elsewhere, Mariona Caldentey featured for 88 minutes as Spain cruised to a 4–0 victory over Sweden in the first leg of their Nations League semi-final. Stina Blackstenius played 76 minutes for Sweden, and both sides will meet again for the return leg at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

In other fixtures, Victoria Pelova came on as a 62nd-minute substitute during the Netherlands’ goalless friendly draw with Poland. The Dutch side are set to face Canada at 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

For Canada, Olivia Smith was forced off with an injury in the 37th minute of their 1–0 friendly defeat to Switzerland.

Meanwhile, Emily Fox completed the full 90 minutes in the United States Women’s National Team’s 2–1 friendly loss to Portugal. The Americans will face Portugal again at 8 p.m. on Sunday, before meeting New Zealand at midnight on Thursday.