Kess Elmore, the forward from Sparta Prague, receives a surprising first call-up to represent Northern Ireland in the 2027 Women’s World Cup play-off against Portugal. At 27, Elmore, a former England youth international, is among five fresh faces in Michael McArdle's squad.

Joining Elmore are:

• Lucy-Jayne Grant (Galway United), making her debut
• Naomi McLaughlin (Glentoran)
• Jane McMaster (Linfield)
• Charlotte Havern (Cliftonville)

Havern has notably excelled with champions Cliftonville, while McMaster and McLaughlin have also showcased impressive performances in their respective teams after mid-season changes.

However, the squad faces several injuries, with key players like Kelsie Burrows, Laura Rafferty, Nadene Caldwell, Megan Bell, Joely Andrews, Danielle Maxwell, and Caragh Hamilton unavailable for selection.

Northern Ireland is set to host Portugal at Inver Park on Friday, 9 October, with a return leg scheduled in Portimao four days later. The previous encounters saw Portugal dominate with a 4-0 win in Euro 2025 qualifying, followed by a narrow 2-1 victory at Mourneview Park.

If McArdle's side manages to defeat Portugal, currently ranked 28 places higher than Northern Ireland, they would advance to face either Iceland or Croatia in the next round. Should they progress, the low ranking of Northern Ireland suggests they may need to compete in an additional inter-continental play-off in February for a chance to secure a spot in their first World Cup in Brazil.