Northern Ireland Women v Portugal: World Cup dream on the line at Inver Park

October 8, 2026 The Belfast Desk

Northern Ireland Women will look to take a major step towards a historic first FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance when they face Portugal at Inver Park in Larne on Friday evening.

Northern Ireland Women v Portugal Women World Cup play-off graphic showing national flags, football and match details for 9 October 2026 — Northern Ireland Women face Portugal Women on Friday 9 October 2026, with kick-off at 7pm.

Michael McArdle’s side host the Portuguese in the first leg of their 2027 Women’s World Cup European play-off, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm.

Northern Ireland will be hoping home advantage can help them secure a positive result before travelling to Portugal for the return leg on Tuesday 13 October.

Northern Ireland chasing World Cup history

Northern Ireland have never qualified for a Women’s World Cup, although they made history by reaching the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 finals in England.

The team secured their place in the play-offs after finishing third in League B Group 2 of the European qualifying campaign.

Back-to-back victories over Malta helped Northern Ireland progress, but they now face a significant challenge against a Portuguese side ranked 22nd in the world.

Northern Ireland currently sit 50th in the FIFA rankings, making Portugal the favourites on paper.

However, McArdle will hope his side can make the most of familiar surroundings and the backing of the home crowd at Inver Park.

Changes to Northern Ireland squad

McArdle has introduced several new faces into his 23-player squad for the two-legged tie.

Among them are Sparta Prague forward Kess Elmore and Galway United defender Lucy-Jayne Grant, both receiving their first call-ups to the Northern Ireland senior set-up.

Elmore, who qualifies through her Lisburn-born father, brings experience from European club football, while Grant is eligible through her father, who comes from County Down.

Charlotte Havern, Naomi McLaughlin and Jane McMaster have also been included, having previously represented Northern Ireland at underage level.

There are several notable absentees, with Nadene Caldwell, Megan Bell, Joely Andrews, Danielle Maxwell and Kelsie Burrows all missing through injury.

Experienced forward Lauren Wade remains an important figure in the squad, while goalkeeper Jackie Burns, defenders Rebecca Holloway and Rebecca McKenna, and midfielder Brenna McPartlan provide further international experience.

Portugal present a difficult challenge

Portugal arrive in Northern Ireland having topped League B Group 3, winning five of their six qualifying matches.

The Portuguese have also enjoyed the better of previous meetings between the countries.

Across seven encounters, Portugal have recorded five victories compared with Northern Ireland’s two.

The sides last met during qualification for Women’s Euro 2025, when Portugal won 4-0 at home before securing a narrower 2-1 victory in Northern Ireland.

Those results underline the challenge facing McArdle’s team, although the home side will be determined to keep the tie competitive ahead of the second leg.

What happens if Northern Ireland win?

The tie will be decided over two legs, with the return match taking place at Estádio Municipal de Portimão in Portugal on Tuesday 13 October at 7.15pm UK time.

The winners will progress to the next round of European play-offs, where they will face either Croatia or Iceland.

Further qualification hurdles may remain before a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil is secured.

For Northern Ireland, Friday’s match represents another opportunity to move closer to a landmark achievement in the development of women’s football.