Northern Ireland's new faces ahead of Women's World Cup play-off with Portugal
Northern Ireland have called up five new players for their 2027 Women's World Cup play-off against Portugal. Manager Michael McArdle has had to cope with injuries to key attackers, creating chances for Kess Elmore, Lucy-Jayne Grant, Naomi McLaughlin, Jane McMaster and Charlotte Havern. Elmore, a Sparta Prague forward, can play across the attacking line.
Northern Ireland enter their 2027 World Cup play-off against Portugal as underdogs, with Michael McArdle managing a squad affected by injuries. Absences among attacking options include Simone Magill, Danielle Maxwell and Caragh Hamilton, opening places for five first-time call-ups. Kess Elmore, Lucy-Jayne Grant, Naomi McLaughlin, Jane McMaster and Charlotte Havern are the new names.
Elmore, 27, represents Sparta Prague and can operate as an attacking midfielder or across the forward line. She qualifies through her Lisburn-born father and has played in the USA, France and Austria, including Champions League matches. Grant, 22, is a Cavan-born Galway United left-back who also qualifies through her father and helped Galway win the 2024 All-Island Cup.
The match and new call-ups may draw more attention to women’s football in Northern Ireland, especially among young players and local clubs. Supporters could see fresh role models from domestic and diaspora backgrounds, while the players’ families and communities may take pride in their recognition. A strong performance might encourage greater interest, participation or media coverage, though the immediate effect on society is likely modest and depends on results and sustained visibility.