Northern Ireland’s women face Portugal on Friday evening in the first leg of their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying play-off, kicking off at 7pm at Inver Park in Larne.

The tie is the first step on a long road to the World Cup in Brazil, which runs from June 24 to July 25, 2027. Northern Ireland, ranked 50th in the world, reached the play-offs as one of the best runners-up, while Portugal won five of their six group qualifiers and start as favourites.

Manager Tanya Oxtoby is managing an injury crisis, with key players Simone Magill, Danielle Maxwell and Rebecca Holloway all ruled out. Portugal, meanwhile, arrive with a settled squad and recent experience at major tournaments.

The winners of the two-legged tie will advance to face either Croatia or Iceland in the next play-off round. Sixteen first-leg ties are being played across Europe on Friday as the race for World Cup places intensifies.

Northern Ireland are bidding to reach their second major tournament after appearing at Euro 2022. A strong home result on Friday would keep the dream alive ahead of the return leg.