Portugal opens the 2027 World Cup against Northern Ireland

This Friday at 7 p.m., Portugal visits Northern Ireland in the first leg of the qualifying knockout for the 2027 World Cup, with the starting eleven already announced. The Portuguese national team, led by Inês Pereira and Catarina Amado, faces the Northern Irish side, which includes Jackie Burns and Sarah‑Jane McMaster, in a decisive clash to progress in the campaign.

Confirmed line‑ups

Here are Northern Ireland's starting eleven: Jackie Burns, Sarah‑Jane McMaster, Fionnula Morgan, Nat Johnson, Rebecca Holloway, Ellie Mason, Brenna McPartlan, Aimee Kerr, Emily Cassap, Rebecca Mckenna and Lauren Wade. Here are Portugal's starting eleven: Inês Pereira, Catarina Amado, Carolina Correia, Diana Gomes, Joana Marchão, Fátima Pinto, Andreia Jacinto, Andreia Faria, Tatiana Pinto, Telma Encarnação and Jéssica Silva.

The Portuguese national team released the official line‑up via its Twitter account, accompanied by the image of the starting XI and the hashtags #WWCQ and #NIRPOR. The post reinforces the team's preparation for Friday's match.

This meeting is the first leg of the group stage of the 2027 World Cup qualification, being decisive in determining both teams' positions on the road to the tournament. A good result could put Portugal in a favorable position to advance, while Northern Ireland seeks to cause an upset away from home.

The coaches of both sides kept the same formation since the call‑up, without last‑minute changes. The player selection reflects each team's strategy to control the midfield and exploit the flanks.

The information was initially published on the Bola na Rede website, which released the full list of the two teams' starting eleven. Fans can follow the live broadcast from 7 p.m., as announced by the qualifying knockout organizers.

With the 2027 World Cup still distant, this first step in the qualifying campaign sets the pace of the journey for both countries. The result of this match will influence strategies in the next rounds of the competition.