The WNT skipper is set to lead out the team for the first-time in the qualifier against Northern Ireland at Mourneview Park, Lurgan, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
With Ireland also set to face Norway, Netherlands and Slovakia in Group D, the opener against Northern Ireland will be a crucial game in Ireland's quest to qualify for a major tournament for the first time.
Having travelled up to Northern Ireland on Sunday, the WNT squad trained at Mourneview Park earlier today and McCabe is relishing the prospect of the opening qualification game.
McCabe said: "It's a huge occasion and there is a real buzz in the squad ahead of the game. We've had an excellent camp and trained really well. Everyone is fresh and raring to go.
"It's always exciting at the start of a new campaign and you can tell everyone is really up for it, and obviously, it's a great way to start a new campaign.
"The new players have come into the squad and slotted in really well. The standard has been really high out there so we really just want to get going now."
McCabe was handed the captain's armband by Women's National Team Head Coach Colin Bell after former captain Emma Byrne retired in the summer.
Opponents Northern Ireland lost their opening game of the campaign, a 4-1 defeat in Norway but McCabe believes they will provide tough opposition and that Ireland need to play above the occasion.
McCabe continued: "There has been a lot of hype about the game ever since we were drawn against each other but we need to put all that to the back of our minds.
"It's going to be a tough game but it's important we focus on ourselves and what we can do as we've shown we can play some excellent football this year.
"It's going to be a really proud moment to lead the team out and all my family will be here to watch, you'll probably hear them screaming! But it is special, and it's something you always dream about.
"The result is all that matters though, it's going to be a big three points to get away from home and we need to focus on getting that first win of the campaign over the line."
Team News: Claire O'Riordan has been called up to the squad from Wexford Youths with Heather Payne doubtful with a calf strain.
Republic of Ireland WNT squad v Northern Ireland
Goalkeepers: Marie Hourihan (Manchester City), Amanda Budden (Cork City WFC), Amanda McQuillan (Shelbourne Ladies).
Defenders: Harriet Scott (Reading WFC), Megan Campbell (Manchester City), Sophie Perry (Brighton and Hove Albion), Diane Caldwell (SC Sand), Louise Quinn (Arsenal), Claire Walsh (UCD Waves).
Midfielders: Niamh Fahey (Bordeaux), Karen Duggan (UCD Waves), Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Stephanie Roche (Sunderland), Roma McLaughlin (Shelbourne Ladies), Tyler Toland (Maiden City).
Forwards: Katie McCabe (Glasgow City), Leanne Kiernan (Shelbourne Ladies), Heather Payne (Peamount United), Amber Barrett (Peamount United), Aine O'Gorman (UCD Waves), Claire O'Riordan (Wexford Youths).
Northern Ireland v Republic of Ireland
FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifier
Mourneview Park, Lurgan
Kick-off: 7.30pm