Kess Elmore, a forward for Sparta Prague, has received her first call-up to the Northern Ireland squad for the 2027 Women's World Cup play-off against Portugal. Alongside Elmore, Lucy-Jayne Grant from Galway United is also making her debut in the national team, as part of five new additions announced by coach Michael McArdle.
The match is set for October 9 at Inver Park, with a return leg scheduled four days later in Portugal. Northern Ireland will aim to overcome a significant ranking disadvantage, as Portugal is positioned 28 places higher in the FIFA rankings.