Northern Ireland handed tough World Cup qualifying play-off draw as Portugal await
Northern Ireland have been handed a tough Women's World Cup qualifying play-off against Portugal as Michael McArdle's side look to take one step closer to the major tournament.
After winning two of their six group matches – both victories came against Malta – Northern Ireland finished third behind Switzerland and Turkiye in League B, Group Two.
One of the unseeded teams for Thursday’s draw, which was staged in Nyon, Northern Ireland have been drawn against a Portuguese side sitting 28 places higher in FIFA’s world rankings.
Northern Ireland faced Portugal twice during qualifying for the 2025 European Championships, losing 4-0 on the road before a narrow 2-1 home defeat at Mourneview Park – Tanya Oxtoby’s side took an early lead through Lauren Wade.
The two-legged World Cup play-off is scheduled to take place in October with Northern Ireland hosting the opening fixture – the date is currently set for October 7 – before travelling to Portugal six days later.
If Northern Ireland can progress past Portugal, they would then meet either Croatia or Iceland in the next round.
Even if Northern Ireland were to win both rounds, they could still yet face an inter-confederation play-off for a spot at the World Cup in Brazil – the lowest-ranked winner from the eight ties will contest an extra match.