# Northern Ireland Names New Players for World Cup Play-Off

> Northern Ireland adds five new players for World Cup play-off against Portugal.
- Title: Northern Ireland Names New Players for World Cup Play-Off
- Summary: Northern Ireland adds five new players for World Cup play-off against Portugal. Northern Ireland names Kess Elmore, Lucy-Jayne Grant, Naomi McLaughlin, Jane…
- Keywords: northern ireland, kess elmore, lucy-jayne grant, naomi mclaughlin, jane macmaster, charlotte havern, women's world cup, portugal, 2027 women's world cup, play-off, women's premier league, galway united
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cqp93d33y144o
- Published: 2026-09-30T15:40:52.117+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: northern ireland, kess elmore, lucy-jayne grant, naomi mclaughlin, jane macmaster, charlotte havern, women's world cup, portugal, 2027 women's world cup, play-off, women's premier league, galway united
## New call-ups for World Cup play-off
Northern Ireland names five new players for World Cup play-off against Portugal.
## Kess Elmore joins squad
Sparta Prague forward Kess Elmore, 27, qualifies for Northern Ireland through her father and joins squad with versatility.
## Lucy-Jayne Grant gets call-up
Galway United defender Lucy-Jayne Grant, 22, qualifies for Northern Ireland through her father and earns first call-up.
## Three Women's Premiership players
Naomi McLaughlin, Jane McMaster and Charlotte Havern get first call-ups after impressive performances.
## Elmore's versatility key
Elmore can play as attacking midfielder or right forward, bringing creative play and experience against elite opposition.
## Grant's defensive skills
Grant adds defensive depth and has juggling skills, piano and violin teaching experience to camp.
## McLaughlin's return to form
McLaughlin, 20, returns to Glentoran after Aberdeen and impresses with attacking versatility.
## McMaster's senior debut
McMaster, 22, earns first senior cap after consistent performances with Linfield in title contention.
## Havern's youth and potential
Havern, 16, helps Cliftonville win Premiership and League Cup double and earns senior call-up.
## Key takeaway

Northern Ireland names Kess Elmore, Lucy-Jayne Grant, Naomi McLaughlin, Jane McMaster and Charlotte Havern for World Cup play-off against Portugal.