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Farrell says Ireland not yet good enough to believe they can win 2027 World Cup

Andy Farrell made the admission before Ireland open their November series against Argentina on Friday, with six straight defeats behind his side.

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Andy Farrell has said Ireland are not currently good enough to board the plane for the 2027 World Cup believing they can win it.

Asked where Ireland must improve, Farrell said: "The obvious thing and the boring thing to say is every area"

His assessment follows a poor run. Ireland have lost six straight games to South Africa, New Zealand and France, all by double digits, including a 40-21 defeat by New Zealand in July.

A four-match November

The chance to respond starts on Friday 6 November 2026, when Ireland host Argentina at the Aviva Stadium to open a four-match November series. According to BBC Sport, the month also includes a Nations Championship finals game at Twickenham.

BBC Sport also reports that Argentina have never beaten Ireland in Dublin in 11 attempts, and that the Pumas have won just one of six games.

It is a huge challenge, according to BBC Sport: Ireland have to take seven matches over seven weeks if they are to lift their maiden World Cup.

Sources