NORTHERN IRELAND DRAWN TO FACE PORTUGAL IN 2027 WORLD CUP PLAY-OFF

Northern Ireland will play Portugal in the first round of qualifying play-offs for the 2027 Women's World Cup, according to the draw. Michael McArdle's side will be underdogs in the fixture, having lost twice to Portugal during Euro 2025 qualifying. If Northern Ireland progresses, they will face either Iceland or Croatia in the second round of play-offs.

The Republic of Ireland, who qualified for their first World Cup in 2023, will take on Kazakhstan in their first round tie. Should Carla Ward's side win that match, they will meet either Belgium or Poland in the second round. First round play-offs are scheduled for October, with second round fixtures taking place during the international windows in November and December.

The full play-off draw encompasses 16 teams across two paths. Northern Ireland could face an additional inter-continental play-off to reach the finals, even if they were to progress past two of Europe's higher-ranked sides, given their world ranking. The Republic of Ireland will compete for a place at the tournament alongside the eight teams advancing from the European qualifying group stage.