Elmore and Grant named in Northern Ireland squad

[Getty Images] Sparta Prague forward Kess Elmore is a surprise first call-up for Northern Ireland's 2027 Women's World Cup play-off with Portugal. Elmore, 27, is a former England youth international and is one of five new call-ups in Michael McArdle's squad. Galway United full back Lucy-Jane Grant is included for the first time, as are the Irish Premiership trio Naomi McLaughlin, Jane McMaster and Charlotte Havern. There are several absentees through injury, including Kelsie Burrows, Laura Rafferty, Nadene Caldwell, Megan Bell, Joely Andrews, Danielle Maxwell and Caragh Hamilton. Northern Ireland host Portugal at Inver Park on Friday, 9 October before the return leg in Portimao four days later. The sides last met in Euro 2025 qualifying when Portugal ran out 4-0 winners in Liera before a narrow 2-1 victory at Mourneview Park. If McArdle's side can upset Portugal, who are ranked 28 places higher than NI, then they would face Iceland or Croatia in the next play-off round. While the majority of teams who win the second play-off round will progress to the finals in Brazil, Northern Ireland's ranking means they would likely face an additional inter-continental play-off round in February, as the lowest European side, if they are to make a first World Cup.