Northern Ireland faces Portugal in Women's World Cup play-off opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 8, 2026, 10:37 AM
Last updated Oct 8, 2026
Northern Ireland begins its Women's World Cup play-off journey with a home match against Portugal on Friday at Inver Park. Coach Michael McArdle's squad has been impacted by injuries and features five new players. The team is focused on taking it one game at a time, with hopes of an upset against a higher-ranked Portugal. Should they succeed, they could face Croatia or Iceland next, followed by a potential inter-continental play-off for a spot in Brazil next summer.
- •Match scheduled for Friday at 19:30 BST at Inver Park.
- •Northern Ireland ranks low among European teams facing higher-ranked Portugal.
- •Johnson and Holloway express confidence despite previous losses to Portugal.
- •Winning against Portugal could lead to matches with Croatia or Iceland.
- •Team blends experience and youth to aim for World Cup qualification.
- 10:37 AMYahoo Sports — 'Nothing impossible' as NI begin long road to Brazil
- 10:37 AMBBC Sport — 'Nothing impossible' as NI begin long road to Brazil
"Northern Ireland defenders Nat Johnson and Rebecca Holloway tell BBC Sport NI of their dream of reaching a first ever Women's World Cup as NI go through the play-offs.
"Northern Ireland defenders Nat Johnson and Rebecca Holloway tell BBC Sport NI of their dream of reaching a first ever Women's World Cup as NI go through the play-offs.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 8, 2026, 10:37 AM'Nothing impossible' as NI begin long road to Brazil
Northern Ireland defenders Nat Johnson and Rebecca Holloway tell BBC Sport NI of their dream of reaching a first ever Women's World Cup as NI go through the play-offs.
- BBC SportOct 8, 2026, 10:37 AM'Nothing impossible' as NI begin long road to Brazil
Northern Ireland defenders Nat Johnson and Rebecca Holloway tell BBC Sport NI of their dream of reaching a first ever Women's World Cup as NI go through the play-offs.
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