Northern Ireland head into a tough 2027 Women’s World Cup play‑off, facing Portugal in a two‑legged tie. Under Michael Mc Ardle, the team must overturn a Euro 2025 qualifying loss to the Portuguese side that beat them twice. A win could set them on a path to the final round today.

The Republic of Ireland, fresh from a first‑world‑cup appearance in 2023, will clash with Kazakhstan in the opening play‑off round. Carla Ward’s squad needs a victory to advance to a second‑stage face‑off against either Belgium or Poland, offering a clear route to the finals for their future campaign in 2027.

Both ties kick off in October, with the second play‑off round slated for the international window in November and December. A win for either side would lift them from a qualifying spot to the world stage, while a loss would keep their 2027 hopes in limbo for the fans today.

The outcomes will shape each nation’s strategy heading into the next FIFA cycle. Northern Ireland’s encounter with Portugal, a former Euro champion, could test their resilience, while Ireland’s first‑round clash with Kazakhstan offers a lower‑profile but no less decisive test. Both squads must perform under pressure to secure a place in the tournament for the world cup in 2027 today.