Two female players did not shake hands at the 2023 World Cup

During the handshake before the match between Ireland and Australia on July 20, Littlejohn surprised when he withdrew his hand when approaching Foord. After that, the Irish striker shook hands with every player in the Australian team, except Foord.

At the end of the match, Littlejohn and Foord still lingered on the field to argue about something, forcing players on both sides to intervene.

According to the Daily Mail, the reason Littlejohn acted this way was because of the relationship between Foord and Katie McCabe. McCabe is the captain of Ireland, once Littlejohn's girlfriend. But in an interview two days before the 2023 World Cup, McCabe announced his split from Littlejohn.

McCabe was Littlejohn's teammate in the Ireland national team, but also played for Arsenal with Foord. Foord also recently changed his status to single after breaking up with another female Arsenal midfielder, Lia Walti. Before the World Cup, Foord and McCabe traveled with a few others on the island of Ibiza, Spain. The two players also took a photo together and posted it on social media.

However, the Australian media said that McCabe and Foord were just friends, nothing more.

McCabe and Littlejohn began dating in 2016, publicized their relationship three years later. These two players both carry out campaigns to help teenagers with gender difficulties.

In the above match, Australia beat Ireland 1-0 thanks to the only goal from defender Steph Catley - who also plays for Arsenal. Australia is at the top of Group B, while Ireland is last after the opening match.